Most studies show that companies end up saving 20 percent to 30 percent when travelers book online. The savings come from a reduction in processing costs, as well as travelers' decisions to choose less-expensive fares when presented with all their options. As the travel agent sites have slowly rolled out, most companies have been asking travelers only to give the new online booking tools a try, encouraging their use through training programs, cordial memos and other assorted pleas. For the most part, adoption rates for online booking have remained dismally low, with many travel managers happy to see 10 percent or 20 percent of their travelers using their new intranet sites. As a result, you can expect your company to require the use of online booking systems in the same manner it currently mandates the use of a single travel agency.
Savings are in the millions.
Booking online from a corporate site really is not that difficult. You'll find a standard booking engine similar to the ones you may have seen before. What is different is that the fares you see and the flight, hotel or rental car options provided will be tailored to your company's corporate travel policy. In addition to a booking engine, you will find travel information that is targeted to you and other travelers at your company. You may find an online newsletter or memos from your corporate travel manager, warnings about travel to certain countries, and any travel policy changes or updates.