With 91 per cent of SMEs continuing to travel for work despite economic pressures this year, some Australian businesses saved hundreds of thousands of dollars off their travel spend last year using updates on well-known and not-so-well-known corporate travel hacks.
Corporate Traveller Global Managing Director Tom Walley shared the top travel tactics that have helped some of its most strategic small-to-medium enterprise and business customers save more than 30 per cent on corporate travel in 2023.
1. Book flights more than two weeks out
Last-minute travel deals are a myth with the cheapest airfares now typically available at least two weeks out from the travel date. Airlines offer the cheapest rates on flights more than 14 days out as algorithms work to seat availability. As seats get snapped up, the price of the remaining spots tends to increase. Booking six months in advance will see the largest savings.
2. Sign up for a travel program to maximise value
Alongside airline and hotel loyalty offers, look into programs offered by travel management companies. Corporate Traveller’s SmartStay program offers exclusive hotel deals, with add-ons including free breakfast, late checkout and upgrades.
3. Choose flexible fares with full credit options and cancellations
Purchasing a flight with full credit has the potential to save thousands when business travel plans change. Travellers and bookers should always check fare terms and conditions as some economy tickets that allow flight credits in the case of cancellation may come with restrictions.
4. Carry-on for the win
Flying with just cabin baggage for short trips can save a company significantly over a year to the tune of up to $90 per airfare. Ace the security queue and pack more into your luggage by separating electronic devices and carrying your laptop separately.
5. Ask for last room availability
These little-known corporate travel hacks can assist in a Swiftie situation. Last room availability is a contract between a company and a hotel for rooms at a contracted price, regardless of how many rooms are left or whether a rare event, such as a concert, has inflated prices. Company travellers have a guaranteed set contracted rate at the partner hotel.
6. Choose hotels close to the CBD, transport and meetings
Businesses that booked hotels within walking distance of major amenities and meeting locations also clocked major savings last year by cutting down on rideshares and even restaurant expenses.
7. Package your flights, stay and transfers
It’s less time spent booking each component of travel separately by bundling the trip and customers usually pay the same minus the hassle of organising car hire or rideshare options.
Mr Walley said: “Many corporate travel hacks that worked years ago have changed. And given there was a 28.7 per cent increase in ‘revenue passenger kilometres’ to 67.6 billion last year within Australia, we know Aussies are spending more and more on travel.”
“Simple but effective corporate travel hacks such as booking airfares a month out from the travel date can alone save a company up to $200 on a single one-way domestic ticket.”
For more info, head to corporatetraveller.com.au