Corporate flight discounts: how to book and save on business travel
Since 2021, flight costs in major airports have skyrocketed by 29%. If you’re tired of struggling to keep bookings in budget, use our savings guide to adapt to the increasingly expensive business travel landscape.
This guide includes:
- Nine steps on how to get the most corporate flight booking benefits.
- How Corporate Traveller helped Beyond Energy improve their business travel savings.
- Other resources that demonstrate smart ways to reduce business travel expenses.
Every dollar counts, and efficient and cost-effective business travel is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity. Companies that master the art of booking corporate airfare discounts can save big and keep their budgets from getting out of control.
Average ticket prices for business travel rose 72.2% in 2022 compared to the previous year, and the consumer price index for airline tickets climbed 25% in 2023 - the biggest jump since 1989.
Throughout this guide, you’ll learn how you can book smarter and save money, without sacrificing the comfort and convenience your team deserves.
Let’s go!
1. Define your corporate travel program to streamline flight booking
First things first: You need to know what you’re working with. Assess your company’s travel needs like plotting a flight path before takeoff. This will help you identify some immediate ways to improve your corporate travel savings.
Look at how often your team travels, the top destinations, and preferred airlines and hotels. Are your employees jet-setting globally or hopping on domestic flights?
Now, onto the essential part - create a clear travel policy. Think of it as your company’s corporate flight manual. A clear and concise travel policy ensures everyone knows the rules of the runway. It covers booking procedures, preferred suppliers, expense limits, and reimbursement processes.
Download our FREE corporate travel policy template
Calculate how much you could save on flights with better routing, preferred rates, and fewer booking mistakes, and start enjoying better corporate flight discounts by using our travel policy template.
Why is this important? Without a travel policy, you’re flying blind. Employees might book based on personal preferences rather than cost-effectiveness, leading to inconsistent and higher travel expenses.
A solid corporate travel policy:
- Standardises things like bookings.
- Keeps travel spend in check.
- Leverages negotiated rates with airlines, hotels, and car rental companies - unlocking significant savings for your business.
Ready for the next step? Buckle up, because we’re just getting started!
2. Plan and book flights early to secure the best business rates
Booking flights early is like grabbing the front-row seat to a sold-out show. The earlier you book, the better the rates, and the more options you have. It’s all about snagging those early bird specials before they fly away.
Using corporate booking tools and platforms can streamline your booking process and ensure you’re getting the best rates. These tools provide centralised control, making it easier to compare options, track expenses, and adhere to company policies.
And here's where our all-in-one business travel platform,Your.CT, can help. With Your.CT, you can:
- Search
- Book
- Manage
- Track
- Report
You’ll also get:
- Exclusive deals
- Negotiated rates
- 24/7 live, human support
Don’t forget to keep your travel dates and times as flexible as possible. Flying on off-peak days or at less popular times can lead to substantial savings. Flexibility in your schedule can make a big difference in your travel budget, helping you find the best deals and avoid premium rates.
3. Leverage corporate flight discounts and loyalty programs
Enrol your company in corporate loyalty programs and watch the savings stack up. Frequent flyer programs aren’t just for vacationers - your business travellers can rack up miles, too. These programs offer perks like priority boarding, free upgrades, and access to exclusive corporate flight discounts.
And here’s where it gets even better: when you partner with a TMC, you gain access to exclusive and negotiated rates that aren’t available to the general public. With the volume of travel TMCs handle, they have the leverage to secure unbeatable deals, ensuring you make every dollar count on those business trips.
4. Use technology to simplify booking and reduce costs
Managing travel has never been easier, thanks to travel apps and tools like our Your.CT mobile app, which gives you the flexibility to look, book, and access support 24/7. No more hopping between websites or sweating over last-minute changes - these tools always have your back, ensuring you can snag the best deals and save time.
But booking is just the beginning. When it comes to smart ways to reduce business travel expenses, the right software can be a total game-changer.
Imagine ditching the headache of expense reports and keeping tabs on every dollar spent, from flights to fancy dinners. This keeps you in line with company policies and gives you juicy insights into spending patterns.
And don’t forget data analytics! Studying travel expenses lets you spot trends, find savings, and help fine-tune your travel budget. This smarter approach means you're increasing corporate travel savings, while making moves that boost your company’s bottom line.
5. Optimise your travel routes and schedules
Who says you need to travel the most common ways? Don’t sleep on budget airlines for short-haul flights - they can save a bundle without sacrificing too much comfort. For nearby destinations, why not consider rail or road transport? It’s often cheaper and can be more convenient than flying.
PRO TIP: Consolidate your trips. Combine multiple meetings or client visits into one trip to save on travel expenses. Shifting schedules and planning ahead can help you make the most out of every journey.
This way, you save money and time, while still getting the face-to-face interactions that are essential for your business to succeed.
6. Book hotels through corporate travel platforms
When booking hotels, corporate rates can make a huge difference. Look for negotiated rates and Exclusive Deals - like those badged in our corporate travel management platform, Your.CT. With Your.CT, you can spot exclusive deals and access the best hotel options for all your business travel needs.
Booking through a corporate travel platform has its perks. You get:
- Access to negotiated rates.
- The leverage of a Travel Management Company’s (TMC) buying power.
This means you’re not just negotiating as one business but as part of a larger network, ensuring you get the best business travel savings that’s possible.
Don’t forget to take advantage of loyalty programs for hotel stays. Points can be used to enjoy benefits like:
- Free nights.
- Room upgrades.
- Early check-in.
- Late check-out.
- Other perks.
Combining these with a corporate travel platform can maximise your corporate travel savings and make every business trip more comfortable for your employees.
7. Manage business travel expenses to keep costs under control
Corporate hotel rates can save you big bucks. Booking through platforms like YOUR.CT gives access to exclusive rates negotiated by your TMC, plus loyalty perks like room upgrades or free nights. Combining hotel loyalty programs with corporate travel tools maximises savings while keeping your team comfortable, ensuring you consistently score the best value.
Make sure to keep an eye on exclusive deals through your TMC too. When you book your flights and accommodation together, you can unlock bonus loyalty points and special offers from hotel partners. Plus, bundling everything in advance means less last-minute stress — and no surprise price jumps when hotels start to fill up.
8. Encourage employee compliance with travel policies
Getting everyone on the same page about travel policies is crucial. Educate employees on the ins and outs of your travel guidelines to ensure they understand and follow them. Sweeten the deal with incentives for those who stick to cost-saving measures - things like gift cards or extra time off.
Review and update your travel policies regularly to keep them relevant and effective. This ensures everyone stays informed about best practices and any new cost-saving opportunities. Happy, compliant employees mean smoother business travel and better corporate travel savings.
9. Work with a travel management company (TMC) for better flight deals
If you want to supercharge your business travel savings, partnering with a TMC is the ultimate cheat code. TMCs offer a variety of services that streamline your travel process, secure unbeatable deals, and handle all the nitty-gritty logistics.
TMCs take care of everything from booking flights and hotels to managing car rentals and travel policies. They leverage their massive buying power to snag exclusive discounts, ensuring you get the best deals every time. Plus, with 24/7 support, TMCs are there to manage last-minute changes and emergencies, making travel stress a thing of the past.
Take the case of Blast! Films. While filming in Siberia, their crew witnessed a helicopter crash and needed immediate evacuation. Corporate Traveller stepped in, organising transport and flights to get the crew home safely and sending a new crew to continue the documentary - all within a tight budget. This is the kind of efficient, lifesaving travel management a TMC can provide.
And that's not all. Our Client Savings & Value Team is a squad of air travel experts who saved Corporate Traveller's customers over $1.4 million last year. They achieved this by finding cheaper fares, tracking expiring credits, and securing upgrades at no extra cost. Last year, they saved our customers:
- $496,648 through creative ticketing,
- $463,625 by tracking expiring credits,
- $251,321 by switching to different airlines/routes, and
- $192,088 by securing upgrades and perks.
These savings aren’t just numbers - they translate into real value for your business.
Or hear it from Prescient's Sr. Strategic Sourcing Manager, Kiernan Doyle: “Using the company recommended spend tool has seamlessly driven down travel spend, with little impact on the traveller’s experience.”
Working with a TMC isn't just about saving money - it's about gaining peace of mind and maximising efficiency.
Let the experts handle your travel needs while you focus on what you do best - running your business. If you’re ready to transform your travel experience, let Corporate Traveller help you take charge of your travel game and watch the savings roll in.
Corporate travel savings in action: Hydro Tasmania’s story
If you want to transform your corporate travel, working with a corporate travel management company (TMC) like Corporate Traveller is the ultimate power move. Why? Because beyond handling bookings, a TMC also streamlines the entire process, finds the best deals, manages complex itineraries, and offers 24/7 support for any travel hiccups.
We've helped over 4500 Australian small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) transform their business travel programs from an inefficient cost centre into a well-oiled business function that supports their wider company goals.
Winning outcomes
In less than a year, Corporate Traveller has helped Hydro Tasmania create a travel program that is efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. The dedicated hotel program analysis alone has unlocked thousands in potential savings, while quarterly reporting and advanced booking strategies continue to deliver ongoing cost reductions. More importantly, Hydro Tasmania now has the reassurance of fast service levels, clear points of contact, and a travel partner who truly understands their unique challenges.
The results? Smooth travels and serious savings.
Working with a TMC and using corporate travel tools delivers:
- Strategic insight: Regular reports show where your money goes and how to optimise spend.
- Dedicated support: A travel consultant who knows your business handles complexities and ensures smooth trips.
- Big savings: Expert management unlocks exclusive rates, reduces policy breaches, and makes travel simpler.
Corporate flights don’t have to break the budget. With a clear policy, smart planning, technology, and a trusted TMC, your team can travel efficiently, comfortably, and cost-effectively.
Key takeaways for smarter business travel savings
We've flown through the essentials of finding and leveraging corporate travel flight discounts, assessing travel needs, booking smart, leveraging tech, and partnering with a TMC. It’s all about making your business travel smooth, cost-effective, and hassle-free.
Now, it’s your turn to take these strategies and fly with them! Implement these tips and watch your travel budget soar.
Ready to save more on business travel?
Why do it all yourself when you could save up to $35 per booking with Corporate Traveller? Use our Savings Calculator to see just how much time and money your business could save with Corporate Traveller on board. 49 minutes is a lot of wasted time you could reclaim per trip.
Frequently asked questions
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What is a corporate flight and how does it differ from regular flights?
A corporate flight is booked under a business travel program, often using negotiated rates, corporate loyalty programs, or travel management platforms. Unlike standard flights, corporate flights offer discounts, perks like flexible cancellations, priority boarding, and tools that help companies track travel spend.
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How can my company save money on corporate flights?
Companies can save by booking early, leveraging corporate loyalty programs, negotiating rates with airlines, consolidating travel itineraries, and using a travel management company (TMC) to access exclusive deals. Technology platforms like corporate travel booking software can also provide real-time price comparisons and cost-saving alerts.
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What perks come with corporate flight bookings?
Corporate flight perks may include upgraded seating, additional baggage allowance, priority boarding, lounge access, flexible cancellation policies, and the ability to earn loyalty points for employees. These benefits improve comfort while maintaining cost-efficiency for the company.
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How do travel management companies (TMCs) help with corporate flight bookings?
TMCs streamline the booking process, provide access to exclusive rates and negotiated discounts, ensure policy compliance, track travel expenses, and offer 24/7 support. They can also consolidate trips, optimise itineraries, and provide insights to reduce overall travel costs.
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Are there technology tools to make corporate flight bookings easier?
Yes. Corporate travel platforms and apps centralise flight bookings, offer recommended spend guidelines, provide alerts for out-of-policy bookings, and give analytics on travel patterns. Platforms like Melon also integrate hotel, car rental, and expense management to simplify end-to-end travel.
