While business travel represents just six percent of the airlines' customer base, it accounts for 37 percent of the industry's revenue. Moreover, the NBTA predicts, airline passenger numbers will continue to grow faster than available seats. As a result, discount rates will be harder to come by for business travelers. Small firms are particularly vulnerable to travel-cost increases because they usually don't generate the volume needed to negotiate deep discounts with airlines, hotels or car rental companies. Nonetheless, they can definitely save on expenses by planning properly and making the most of the many travel resources now available.
All trips begin with reservations of some kind.
The question is whether to book them yourself or put your plans in the hands of a travel agent. Not surprisingly, more and more business owners are logging onto the Internet to get them where they want to go. A hard act to compete against, the Internet has upped the competitive ante for travel agents, who are already feeling the blow of reduced airline commissions. Business travelers are turning to the Web because it's convenient, personalized and even fun. They can check airline, car rental, hotel and rail rates and then book the reservations that best fit their schedule and budget.