Discount Business Travel Ideas
Discount business travel can be easier than you think. With just a little effort on your part, savings can be substantial. Here are some of our favorite ideas to try on your next business trip.
Flying
Check Bags For Free
Only two airlines check bags for free. Jetblue allows one checked bag, Southwest accepts two. At around $25 per bag, the Airline industry collected over $2.5 billion in baggage fees last year (2010)- a massive profit center.
Save yourself $50 or more by finding ways to check bags for free.
Some Credit cards offer free checked baggage. Delta allows one free bag if you use its American Express Sky Miles card. Continental allows two free bags when you book you flight with a Chase Presidential Plus card.
Check Multiple AirportsFares fluctuate from airport to airport. At times a small regional airport offers lower fares than larger hubs with a lot less stress. Consider parking fees, drive time and other related expenses. Some popular destination airports have seasonal lulls.
Jackson Hole Airport for example sees demand drop in Spring and Fall. Airlines have more seats available often at lower prices than nearby Idaho Falls Fanning Airport. Use search features on websites like Kayak.com or airline sites to compare airfares near you.
Check Bing’s Price Predictor
Fares do change from day to day, week to week and can catch you paying for non-refundable higher fares only to find out the next day you just missed out on a major fare sale. Bing.com/travel has historical data and about 75 percent accuracy in determining trends that help you decide when to lock in a flight.
Staying
Find a Deal
In addition to airfare trends, Bing’s rate indicator tells you when a hotel room is a “deal, an “average rate”, or “not a deal”. Travelocity’s new Top Secret Hotels has high discount business travel rates at various 2, 3 and 4 star rated hotels.
We don’t recommend anything less than the 3 star rating if you want the conveniences of Internet and business services.
Find Hotel FreebiesAll the extras add up. Internet access $10 per day, parking $15 per night, room service charges, etc. Priceline.com/freebies enable you to search for hotels that provide guests with complimentary services, including breakfast.
Find a Connection
Wififreespot.com lists hotel chains that offer free Wi-Fi like Homewood Suites by Hilton and Hyatt Place. They also list airports, restaurants, even bus companies that offer Wi-Fi service to their customers. Search by state or country.
Driving
Best Rental Rates
When it comes to car rentals remember that there is no fee to cancel or change a reservation. You could find a lower rate the next time you check. To make it a bit easier try AutoSlash.com, a site that continuously checks rates for you until your pickup. If a lower rate is found you’re automatically rebooked for free and sent the new details via email.
When you pick up your car, always ask if free upgrades are being offered.
Return from Discount Business Travel to Travel Home Business
Return from Discount Business Travel to Christian Business Opportunities