Corporate Traveller’s Top Cost-Saving Tactics for Business Travel

FCTG’s Corporate Traveller reveals the top cost-saving tactics used by its savviest business travellers

Booking more than two weeks ahead, asking for last room availability, and choosing fares that offer like-for-like credit options with cancellations. These are just some of the top hacks that helped the savviest businesses shave hundreds of thousands of dollars off their travel spend last year, as revealed by Corporate Traveller.

Flight Centre Travel Group’s flagship SME travel management business has lifted the lid on the best travel tactics that have helped some of their most strategic business customers save more than 30 per cent on corporate travel over 2023. And with a recent survey revealing that 91 per cent of SMEs would continue to travel regardless of economic pressures this year[1], Tom Walley, Corporate Traveller’s Australian-based Global Managing Director, says these tips could put thousands back in the company coffers.

Corporate Traveller reveals the top seven cost-saving travel hacks from its savviest customers:

Ditch the myth of last-minute travel deals and ensure you book those flights more than two weeks out from the travel date.

Last-minute travel deals are a myth, says Tom, with the cheapest airfares now typically available at least two weeks out from the travel date, but booking as soon as six months in advance would see the largest savings. He further adds that organisation is key when it comes to nabbing the cheapest deals.

“But, as is the nature of business travel, advance organisation of meetings and events is not always as easy as it may sound. Travel Management Companies exist to help corporate travellers secure the best deal for those unavoidable last minute travel scenarios.

2. Maximise travel value adds by signing up for a travel programs

Alongside utilising a travel management partner such as Corporate Traveller to help you secure the most competitive rates, Tom says many of their business customers also enjoy increased value in their travel through travel programs. Corporate Traveller’s SmartStay program, for instance, offers exclusive hotel deals, with add-ons including free breakfast, late checkout, and upgrades.

3. Book a flight that offers the best terms and conditions for changes, credits or cancellations

Not all airline Terms and conditions were created equal, Tom says, and by purchasing a flight that lets you get a full credit that can be used on the same economy flight type has the potential to save you thousands in the long run when those corporate travel plans change. Smart travellers and bookers should always check the terms and conditions of a fare, as some economy tickets may appear to allow flight credits in the case of cancellation, but it may come with restrictions.

4. Encourage a carry-on luggage culture

During domestic travel, encouraging staff to fly with just carry-on luggage for short trips can save a company significantly over the course of a year. Some of the more budget-conscious businesses are educating their travellers about what they can pack and how to do it efficiently, leading to savings of up to $90 per airfare.

By taking travel-sized toiletries, separating electronic devices and carrying your laptop separately, Tom says the carry-on luggage limits have proven to be ample on two-to-four-day trips.

5. Always ask for last room availability

Hotel rates vary wildly based on the time of year and city events, says Tom, but by utilising ‘last room availability’, Corporate Traveller’s budget-conscious customers get a guaranteed set contracted rate at the hotel they partner with. Last room availability is a contract between a company and a hotel that ensures a hotel sells their rooms to the company at a contracted price, regardless of how many rooms are left or whether a rare event, such as a concert, has inflated prices.

6. Package your flight, hotel and airport pick-up and drop-off service

Some business travellers make the mistake of booking each component of their travel separately in the hopes of snagging a better deal, but by bundling the trip, their customers usually pay the same, Tom says. This means less time spent organising a car rental or a rideshare, less hassle, and less room for error – after all, for busy business travellers, time is money.

About Corporate Traveller

Corporate Traveller is an award-winning business travel management and solutions provider for SMEs, operating in six global markets. Established in 1993 as Flight Centre Travel Group’s first corporate brand, Corporate Traveller has offered its personalised service, expert tailored advice, dedicated travel consultants, and advanced booking technology to more than 6500 Australian business customers. Offering an all-in-one innovative booking platform with the support of a personal travel consultant, Corporate Traveller makes travel simpler, faster, and easier for businesses. With a wide range of solutions available, Corporate Traveller can cater for simple requirements through to the most complex SME business travel management needs. For more information or to book a business consultation, visit corporatetraveller.com.au