It’s a no brainer – using a corporate travel agent saves you loads of time and lots of money. There seems to this mindset that you are going to be better off booking your own travel – and nothing could be further from the truth!
Let’s break it down. When traveling on business, you want to make sure that everything goes according to your plan. The best way to do this, especially if you are planning a trip for several employees and have little to no traveling experience, is to use a corporate travel agent. There are so many benefits to hiring a professional who knows what they’re doing and how to get the best deals that are worth your money.
Group Booking is a Breeze:
Trying to coordinate flights and lodging for a group of people can be a nightmare when doing it yourself. However, corporate travel agencies are well-versed in these things; and know exactly how to get your whole group, not only on the same flight, but also in the same seating area! They can do all of this and get it to you at a group discount rate because they know where to look and who to talk to in order to get you the best deal.
Schedule Changes:
The only thing more frustrating than trying to coordinate everyone’s travel schedule is when you get everything planned and that plan changes unexpectedly. Luckily, corporate travel agents know exactly how to fix these kinds of problems and get everything back in order. Often, you will be charged an additional fee and lose the money you already paid for a ticket or a room. But when booking through a travel agent, you have a better chance of being able to avoid paying extra fees.
Fit the Most into Your Schedule:
Going to more than one destination or simply looking to extend your trip? Corporate travel agents are great at planning well-coordinated schedules to fit any needs. They are even able to send several employees, each to different locations, if that is what your company needs to do. They can even get you great deals for cheaper and shorter flights than you can find on your own.
No Missing Documents:
The major role of a corporate travel agent, besides scheduling your trip, is making sure you have all of the proper documentation. This could include: passports, visas, reservations, plane tickets, etc. Your travel agent can even keep a copy of some important documents and will know if anything changes that could affect your trip. They have lots of experience and connections in this field and know what to keep their eyes and ears open for.
Extra Support:
Working with a corporate travel agent also provides you and your fellow travelers with additional support when needed; many even provide 24/7 support to their clients. If there is some kind of emergency, a flight gets cancelled, something gets lost or stolen or you simply need to make a last-minute change, your travel agent is there to help and provide you with reliable customer service until you return home.
Save More:
With lots of experience booking trips, corporate travel agents can really save you a lot of money. They know what the cheapest days to fly are and when it is best to book the flight. They have great connections in lots of locations so you may access some great travel discounts. They even save you time from having to do all of this planning on your own.
The bottom line is: hire a corporate travel agent. The benefits that come from doing so heavily outweigh any potential advantages you could think of by trying to do it on your own. Save your company money and focus on what’s important – growing your business!