As someone who logged 143 flights, stayed 106 nights in hotels, and handled over 73 rental car transactions in 2023, I can attest: business travel today is a far cry from what it once was. Yet, amidst the changes, there's still room for enjoyment.
Post-COVID, the landscape of business travel has undergone significant transformation. Industries supporting business travel have absorbed crucial lessons, particularly around financial resilience, and adaptation strategies. The mantra is clear: safeguard against losses while optimizing efficiencies.
Overcoming The Shortfalls of Air Travel
Air travel, in particular, has seen a notable shift. With reduced options, fuller flights, and diminished upgrade perks, planning ahead is paramount. Last-minute bookings often result in limited choices and increased stress. Moreover, the acceleration in travel costs hasn't been met with a corresponding increase in comfort. Selecting airlines and flights judiciously is now more critical than ever.
The fallout from COVID includes reduced flight routes, leading to more layovers and extended journey times. Opting for budget carriers, while tempting for their initial price point, can backfire in case of cancellations, where alternative flights might be days away. Frontier and JetBlue, with their higher cancellation rates, underscore the importance of sticking with reputable carriers for reliability and swift resolutions.
Today, a cardinal rule for my team of travelers is this: prioritize the importance of meetings. The days of flying in on the morning of an important engagement are dwindling. Unforeseen circumstances like weather disruptions or staff shortages can derail plans beyond control. Arriving a day prior ensures a stress-free start to critical agendas.
2023 marked the busiest year for air travel, signaling a sustained upward trajectory in demand. For frequent travelers, loyalty to a single airline pays dividends. Accumulating status brings incremental perks like free checked bags and priority seating, enhancing the overall travel experience. Southwest Airlines, with its exemplary service and punctuality, remains my preferred choice.
Status and Loyalty Rewards
In the realm of rental cars, cultivating status with top agencies streamlines the process. Brands like National/Enterprise, with their streamlined services and loyalty rewards, offer seamless experiences. Pre-negotiated rates, bundled with insurance, provide cost-effective solutions for corporate needs.
Hotels, too, warrant scrutiny amid soaring rates in certain locales. For business travelers focused on functionality over frills, prioritizing cleanliness, reliable internet, and workspace availability is paramount. Leveraging corporate offerings from major hotel chains ensures consistency and rewards loyalty.
Travel Management Program
Implementing a robust travel management program is non-negotiable for any organization. Platforms like Concur and Egencia offer pre-negotiated discounts and enforce policy adherence, providing oversight and cost control. Additionally, these programs facilitate duty of care by centralizing employee whereabouts, ensuring swift response during crises.
After nearly three decades on the road, I've learned to prioritize relaxation amidst the chaos. Embracing the mantra of accepting the uncontrollable fosters resilience and minimizes stress. As the saying goes, "You'll get home, just maybe not today."
Business travel remains an interesting journey, evolving in response to global shifts. Adapting to these changes ensures efficiency, comfort, and, above all, peace of mind.