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UAL Targets Small Businesses With Loyalty Plan

Mon, 20 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

United launched the MileagePlus Small Business Network, a loyalty program that enables businesses to earn and redeem miles. Businesses that participate can also earn miles by purchasing goods and services from vendor partners such as UPS and Dell.

Biz Travel Costs Keep Climbing, as Demand Outpaces Supply

Thu, 16 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Although demand for corporate travel is not growing as fast as once forecasted, travel costs continue to climb. A key reason is that airlines and hotels have learned how to keep capacity under control, said a business travel consultant. The situation is unlikely to change anytime soon.

Mobile Communications Virgin Territory for Travel Management

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

When it comes to managing mobile travel expenses, most companies do little at all. Phone usage is only one small part of it, as travelers pay for connectivity throughout the trip. An expert shares advice on how to get it all under control.

Ground Transport Spending an Overlooked Opportunity for TMCs

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Managing spending on ground transportation — like managing dining spend — is an often-overlooked opportunity for travel managers to save their companies money. An expert speaking at a recent ACTE conference shares tips on how best to approach it. Educated users are key, he says.

Eastman on NDC: Why TMCs Must Adapt to Distribution Change

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

IATA’s controversial New Distribution Capability plan is a much-needed development in airline distribution, according to travel tech consultant Richard Eastman. NDC is part of the inevitable shift to digital sources of information, he said. While the transition may be initially painful, travel managers will wonder why it didn’t happen sooner.

Biz Travel: Ignoring Dining Spend Is Costing You

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Most travel managers are missing a major opportunity to save money for their companies by not managing their travelers’ dining expenditures. While there are challenges, it is possible to create a corporate dining program that delivers big savings in the form of rebates.

Delta Tests Program to Woo Top Biz Clients

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Delta is piloting a corporate recognition program with about 30 of its largest clients. In other business travel news: Brazil’s business travel is soaring; German execs are frustrated by lengthening wait times at U.S. airports; an airline launches first weigh-more, pay-more program, and more.

TMC Strikes Partnership With Concur on Open Booking

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

A new partnership between Concur and Egencia is a ground-breaking move for open booking. The deal brings the Concur Open Booking platform to Egencia’s corporate client base, providing a one-click connection for users. It marks the first time a TMC has integrated, much less accepted, Concur’s platform.

Forum: TMCs Must Meet the Challenges of Open Booking

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Like it not, open booking is here to stay. TMCs have an important role to play in meeting the challenges open booking presents to corporate travel policies, according to corporate travel managers at a recent ACTE Executive Forum. They also presented advice on addressing the situation.

Biz Travel: Does Sequestration Hurt Yet?

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Automatic federal spending cuts are having little impact on business travel so far. But when the FAA starts closing air traffic control towers in early April, there could be a ripple effect. TMCs are keeping a watchful eye on the situation. Plus: tips for coping with delays.

Rose: TMCs Should Migrate to the Cloud

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

TMCs that still rely on IT centers should move over to cloud technology, says travel tech expert Norm Rose. The IT center is an outmoded concept that is too expensive, distracting and lacking in security, he says. By contrast, cloud-based technology is an efficient way to manage a variety of operations and enables TMCs to evaluate the overall profitability and viability of each client.

Study: Traveler Dissatisfaction Opens Opportunities for TMCs

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

While the majority of business travelers can book online, a study from Amadeus says many are not happy with the results. Also: both hotel rates and traveler expectations are on the rise; international travel costs are outpacing domestic; and satisfaction with OTAs is slipping.

Sequestration’s Impact on Travel Still Mostly Hot Air

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Despite dire warnings of long airport security lines and other snafus, sequestration has yet to have much impact on business travel. However, that could change if airport staff furloughs take effect over the next few weeks. Travel managers are advised to look at travel alternatives.

Fed Spending Cuts Pose Huge Threat to Air Travel

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

If automatic federal spending cuts go into effect tomorrow, air travel will face serious disruptions, warn travel industry leaders. Cutbacks to airport traffic control and security staffing will force cuts in air service and lengthy delays, they warn. The impact will be especially dire for business travel.

AA-US Airways Merger: The Sky Is Not Falling

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Corporate travel managers expect little short-term impact from the merger of American Airlines and US Airways. Despite media forecasts of higher airfares and reduced services, it will be business as usual, at least until 2014. Industry members foresee a stronger airline industry, and little change in airline-agent relations.

Facing Down the Competitive Threat of Open Booking Vendors

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

If you’re a corporate travel agency or TMC, Concur wants to eat your lunch, no doubt about it. So how should you respond to the threat posed by open booking vendors? Here’s a look at the evolving role of agents and TMCs in a world of open booking, plus advice on how to compete.

The Perils & Promise of Open Booking

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Corporate agencies and TMCS are understandably wary when it comes to open booking. But most say it’s a matter of time before open booking becomes the norm. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of tech products such as Concur’s Connect.

Concur: Technology Partner or Competitive Threat?

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Do tech vendors that tout open booking tools pose a dire threat to corporate-focused agencies and TMCs? Or are their products simply the next evolution in business travel? Even large TMCs and agencies are wary, especially when the tech company has as much clout as Concur.

Short’s Travel Enhances Its ‘Shop Anywhere’ App

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Short’s Travel Management’s Bookit application, which enables corporate travelers to shop for airfares on third-party sites, has new functionally that makes it easier for users to turn information from third-party sites over to the agency for booking. BookIt is now being marketed to other TMCs.

Study: Mobile Payments to Have Major Travel Impact

Thu, 17 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The growing trend for mobile payments will have a big impact on travel, according to a PhoCusWright report. Also: mobile hotel check-in arrives; ancillary fees top travel managers’ worry lists, and business travel is expected to remain flat in 2013.

American Express Slashes Jobs; Biz Travel Hit Hard

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

American Express will cut about 5,400 jobs, with its Global Business Travel unit taking the hardest hit. Commenting on the move, industry members noted seismic shifts in the role of TMCs.

Firm Tests Open Booking for Its Biz Travelers

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Can an open booking policy for business travelers save more money than a managed travel program? FINRA, a financial regulatory body, is launching a pilot program to find out. A test group of travelers will book outside the organization’s TMC and standard online channels for the next six months.

Biz Travel Outlook: Mobile Tech, Dynamic Pricing Gain New Ground

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Travel managers will be even more challenged to stay on top of the game, as mobile technology gains even more momentum in 2013. Managing the cost of traveler connectivity is also growing in importance. Dynamic pricing among hotels is another growing development with a big impact on corporate travel.

Despite Economy, Travel Manager Compensation on the Rise

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Travel managers enjoyed an average salary increase of 3.4% in 2012, according to a GBTA Foundation survey. It marks the continuation of a multi-year trend. The growing compensation shows that companies recognize the effective job managers are doing in controlling travel spend, says a GBTA Foundation researcher.

In 2012, Mobile Tech Put Biz Travelers in the Driver’s Seat

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mobile technology’s empowerment of road warriors is the top business travel development of 2012, industry leaders agree. What this means for TMCs is less certain. Also in 2012, business travel rebounded despite global economic turbulence.