Upcoming Trends in Business Travel Expenses

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Upcoming Trends in Business Travel ExpensesThe global economy constantly affects the world of corporate travel. New trends and challenges will be occurring in every sector of business travel in 2019. Therefore, it’s wise best to be informed on what’s happening with the airlines, hotels, and on the ground.

Business travelers should expect to see a spike in flight and hotel prices in 2019. According to the Global Travel Association forecast, flight prices are expected to rise 2.6 % and hotel prices 3.7 %. These trends are based on the global economy and key markets, as well as new technology. Knowing these trends extensively will help business travel agencies assist you in booking your trip.

Upcoming Price Increases

Flight prices are expected to spike due to increasing fuel and oil prices:

  • Prices in North America will only rise about 1.8 percent.
  • Parts of Latin America are expected to decrease around 2 percent. However, Chile is expected to experience a 7.5 percent spike.
  • Countries in Asia may see a 3.2 percent increase, especially since Chinese travel and tourism has become a hot commodity.

Hotel prices are expected to increase mainly because the demand has also increased:

  • Hotel prices are projected to spike around 2.1 overall percent in North America. This includes a 5 percent increase in Canada and a 2.7 percent in the United States.
  • However, Latin America will see a 1.3 percent decrease in hotel prices, especially in Brazil, Venezuela, and Argentina.  Rates will fluctuate overseas as well.
  • Parts of Western Europe will see as high as a 5.6 percent increase in hotel prices while decreasing in parts of Eastern Europe, Africa, and Middle Asia.

New Ways of Ground Transportation

The price of ground transportation and rental cars will not spike as much as flights and hotel prices but some countries like Canada, France, Italy, and Germany could see up to a 4 percent increase by 2019. Some travelers prefer hailing ride-sharing vehicles or even using electric cars versus fuel-operated ones to save some money. However, some business travelers prefer to be in control of where they are driving and business travel services can hook you up with the best rates and help you book the rest of your itinerary.

New Technology Apps

Many hotels are now offering their customers apps to help with online booking.  In addition, ride-hailing apps have become trendy, instead of worrying about renting a car once you land at the airport. Yet, these new apps are not for everyone.  Many business travelers prefer to use experienced corporate travel agents instead, who can provide you with the best worldwide deals to hotels, airfare, and rental cars.

If all of these new trends seem overwhelming and expensive to you, consider implementing travel expense policy guidelines so that everyone understands the guidelines and feels like part of the process. If you need further assistance, contact a company that specializes in corporate expense management solutions. They can teach how to help your business make productive choices and analyze employee spending on business trips.

6 Ways to Cut down on Airport Wait Times

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6 Ways to Cut down on Airport Wait TimesWaiting in long lines and sitting around at the airport can be a bummer, especially when you’re on a tight schedule when traveling for business. The process of getting from point A to point B takes time of course, but these tips can make it faster, easier, and more efficient.

1. Take an Early Flight

Early-morning flights (from about 6 am to 10 am) are less likely to be delayed than flights that take off later in the day. Heading out at off-peak hours can also help you avoid sitting in rush hour traffic and waiting in long airport security lines.

2. Book Flights with Minimal Layovers

The more stops you make, the longer it’s going to take to get to your destination. If you want to save even more time and skip waiting for connecting flights at the airport, book a nonstop flight.

3. Sign up for TSA Pre-check and Global Entry

TSA Pre-check can help you save a lot of time by avoiding long lines at airport security. You won’t have to remove your shoes, belt or light jacket and you can leave laptops and liquids in your carry-on. A five-year membership is $85, and all you have to do is submit an online application and visit an enrollment center for a short appointment that includes a background check and fingerprinting.

Global Entry is a U.S. Customs and Border Protection program that permits pre-approved, low-risk international travelers to return to the United States using automatic kiosks at select airports; allowing you to breeze through customs and get home faster.

4. Use Mobile Travel Apps

Avoid unnecessary wait times by checking in online or using your airline’s travel app to get a mobile boarding pass. Airline travel apps also provide real-time updates on delays, cancellations and gate changes.

5. Pack Light to Avoid Checking Baggage

Packing light is always the way to go if you want to save time. From waiting to check baggage at the ticket counter to collecting your bags after a flight to lost luggage (oh no!), checking your bags can add hours to travel time.  With a carry-on, you can usually head straight to security as long as you have your boarding pass in hand. If you’re worried about running out of clothes, book a hotel that offers laundry service.

6. Plan Ahead

To avoid languishing at the airport, book ground transportation, check the weather and scope out the area you’re traveling to ahead of time online. That way, you’ll know exactly where you’re going and how you’re going to get there. If your flight is delayed or canceled, using a company that provides 24/7 business travel services can help you avoid the headaches that come with getting stuck at the airport. From finding rooms at nearby hotels, to booking last-minute flight alternatives or getting information on the perks available at the airline lounge, corporate travel agents can help you come up with a backup plan to make traveling for business speedy, smooth and stress-free.