SAVINGS TIPS
smartly” by looking at routes that don’t depart from Gatwick and Heathrow, and study carefully “the start time of your meetings and also the location delegates are originating from; this can make a huge difference not just on cost, but also wellbeing and night-prior accommodation cost,” suggests Leigh Cowlishaw, managing partner at Black Box Partnerships. Another trick, says Heinrich, is to take a look at codeshare flights. For example, “in the UK everybody wants to fly BA, even though American Airlines is cheaper, but what they can do to get a cheaper flight is to book the AA flight number, but one operated by BA.” This can see you sitting on the same plane but for a significantly lower cost, though it may require the inside knowledge of an agent.
CHEAPER OPTIONS Indirect flights might not always be desirable, but they’re inevitably the cheaper option too, several experts say. And there can be perks for well-planned layovers. Heinrich, for instance, points out that major Chinese airports now offer a free transit visa allowing 144 hours to explore the area. That’s compared to the £150 you might fork out for a standard visa. Flying indirect might also provide travellers with cheap upgrades to premium economy or even business class, says Craig Unsworth, chief executive at Upgrade Pack. Conversely, those looking to be bumped up should avoid “appealing online auctions,” he adds. “These usually involve last-minute calculations working out the price of your tickets and the cost of a seat in the class you’re bidding for.” He also – unsurprisingly – recommends buyers and travellers look to signing up to Upgrade Pack’s app- based platform. “If an Upgrade Pack user has purchased an
52 JULY/AUGUST 2019
EIGHT TRICKS OF THE TRAVEL TRADE: Compiled by Martin Newman, customer experience expert
• Don’t believe airline websites telling you there are X number of seats left at this price or on this flight…
• … Or that ten other people are looking at this hotel right now.
• Some brands use AI/algorithms and data to charge customers more based on where they live and/or what technology they’re using.
• Always check that airport transfers are included as they aren’t always. That can easily add £150 to the cost.
• If you forget to print your boarding card, be aware that the airline could make you pay for the privilege of printing it for you.
• Weigh your luggage before you leave home, or you could get stung if you exceed the allowance.
• Beware of tourist tax and other local taxes. • Watch out for those hotels that charge for the safety deposit box in your room.
buyingbusinesstravel.com
-20%
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