In the past, travel managers only worried about getting the best deal, but times are changing. Nowadays, with tighter security, longer lines, and airline cramped seating, business travel agents value their employee’s comfort just as much as saving money.

Economy Flights Cause Stress

Many corporations do not want their employees traveling on economy flights for business trips. The Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC) did a recent study and discovered that 63% of large companies do not permit their employees to book economy fares. The study also revealed that 79% of corporate travel agencies hide the basic economy rates. This is because travel managers feel their employees sometimes seem overwhelmed, since they couldn’t choose to sit with their colleagues and would often arrive at their destination exhausted.

Perks of Flying Business Class

There are many perks of flying business class that travelers do love. Many enjoy using the online check in app and priority boarding, which allows them to skip several lines and board first. Business travelers also enjoy taking advantage of roomier seating and complimentary lounge access on the plane. Many business travelers feel tired and stressed after a long flight and enjoy taking advantage of shower facilities in the lounge.

What Business Travelers Really Want

Business travelers crave ease and comfort. They prefer non-stop flights versus cheaper flights with layovers. This lessens the amount of time they wait around an airport, as well as the time in the air. They also value convenient flight times. Some business travelers would prefer to complete a trip in one day when possible, leaving early in the morning and returning the same night. Travel agencies can make business travel easier, in many ways, including hassle-free flight itineraries so that employees can relax. Business travel agencies also know how to get employees upgrades on their flight. They can also assist them in rescheduling a flight.

What the Future Looks Like for Business Travel and Airfare

Some airlines are just as interested in being creative as they are competing with other markets. Your corporate travel agency can tell you which airlines and airports offer specialized check-ins for large corporations, such as Microsoft or Amazon. They can also inform you which airlines offer their business class travelers extra perks, such as complimentary pajamas to wear on overnight flights.

Since so many business travelers say their job performance and satisfaction is based on their overall travel experience, it’s imperative that they feel relaxed and comfortable. Using travel management companies that are available 24/7 is a great way to start. These agents can help your corporation analyze their spending habits and make changes to your travel policy accordingly. It keeps employees involved in the process, and it allows for upgrades for their comfort. You’ll often find while the cost of savings may vary, you’ll have happier, more productive team members.

Waiting 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.

Things are frequently changing and evolving in the world of corporate travel. New challenges and trends are happening in every sector of business, but due to its competitive nature the airline industry changes at a particularly rapid pace. The latest trends in the airline industry have their plusses and minuses as they always do, so it’s a good idea to get a leg up on what’s happening on the ground and in the air.

Weighing Passengers

Finnair has just started a new program where it weighs not only luggage, but passengers before takeoff. The airline is weighing passengers to get a more accurate picture of the average traveler that flies with Finnair. Because the weight of the aircraft impacts things like fuel level, speed and balance, more relevant data may help Finnair plan its flights more efficiently. The program is voluntary and will continue into 2018. If you are concerned about the hoops you may have to jump through when traveling for business, a top corporate travel agency that provides global travel services should have access to extensive information on both domestic and international airlines and flights that can help you make flight choices that fit your schedule budget, and comfort level.

Better Customer Care and Service

It’s nothing new, but one of the top consumer concerns when it comes to flying is top-notch customer service. Airlines are not only investing in customer service and kicking it up a notch; they’re also getting more creative with how they deliver it. More and more airlines are offering web-based customer service and raising their standards for quality customer care. Using a business travel agency that provides comprehensive travel services can help you avoid the hassle of contacting the airline altogether if you need to make a reservation or change a flight at the last minute. Your company’s corporate travel agency will also give employees to forge relationships with dedicated agents who are available 24/7. These agents understand individual travelers’ needs and can quickly provide the service they require.

Apps

Airlines are constantly improving mobile apps that allow customers to check flight times and delays, check in and buy tickets. Although more airlines are offering ticket sales through apps, many corporate travelers still prefer to use an experienced business travel management company that offers convenient global online access to the best deals, flight times, upgrades and amenities.

These are just a few of the current trends that are happening in the airline industry. Airlines must innovate and provide incentives to attract customers and stay competitive, so look for even more new trends in the coming years. While airlines are trying to make it easier to fly, booking airline travel can be frustrating and time consuming, especially if you’re flying last minute or facing a complicated itinerary. Seeking the assistance of corporate travel agents who provide global travel services not only saves you time and money, it can help you cut down on stress and make flying for business travel less of a hassle.