Using a corporate travel
agency has many advantages. Some of them may include price discounts, hotel
reservations, emergency, and customer service to name a few. It may seem
practical and cheaper to use the internet, but it has many limitations compared
to having a professional travel management company.
Reality Check
Let's get to the point - airlines are businesses. They want
to make as much money as possible and will find every opportunity to so. Do you
think those items for sale in the plane are for your convenience? If you think
that the internet or newspaper has the best prices you couldn't be further from
the truth.
Why do airline ticket prices vary? During peak seasons like
Christmas, more people demand travel tickets. The number of airplanes and seats
are pretty much the supply and it is limited. More people will buy tickets with
departure dates near December 24 dates and return dates after January 2.
There aren't enough plane seats to accommodate every single
person who would like to travel on that date - therefore airlines charge higher
prices. How can you beat it? Reserve at least 3 months prior. The problem is
most people don't know their schedule since their work can interfere with their
plans. Airlines know this and more importantly, will take advantage by charging
higher prices.
A corporate travel agency buys tickets in bulk from airlines
and far ahead of time. They are charged wholesale discount business class
airfare not available to you on the internet or anywhere else. It is their
incentive from airlines so that they too can make money.
Travel Management Companies
Corporate travel agencies are not dinosaurs. They also use
computers and have internet. In the same way you probably scour the internet
for prices, these companies have special software that can view dozens of
websites simultaneously.
Agents know where to look for better airfares. Some agencies
have special deals with particular airlines so they have access to the
air ticketing system. If you are looking for discount business class airfare, or
special prices for a group package it is better to go to these companies. You
can negotiate prices with them whereas you can't when reserving online.
Customer Service
When you reserve on the internet it is hard to change plans,
but agents can be given a tentative date and can hold on for you until a certain
time. The longer your company's relationship with them, the better your
benefits will be due to your credibility.
Bad weather happens around the world resulting to cancelled
flights. When this happen what do you think everyone would do? They all call the
airline at the same time. Often it will take you forever to reach them or they
won't really be of much help.
A corporate travel agency will be there for you and know
what emergency actions to take. They already know your first question - how
soon can I leave? Good companies are informed and will take immediate action
for you. They will either rebook you in another airline quickly or find you an
affordable hotel nearby if the weather gets really bad.
Hotels & Meeting Management
Corporate travel management is not limited to airplane
tickets. They also know where to find cheap hotel booking in an emergency at good
prices too. In fact some even have meeting management services.
A corporate travel company has far more advantages over
doing reservations yourself. The advantages are discounts, customer service and
other services all leading to peace of mind.
TravelSpider is a travel
management company in Delhi NCR, India
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