Corporate flights guide: how to book and save on business travel

Corporate flights aren’t getting any cheaper. It's partly because the costs for airlines are increasing and resources are tight: higher fuel prices, increased labour costs and shortage of planes and parts. And on top of that there's generally more people flying which bumps up prices!

Here's some tips to make sure you're boosting savings for business travel flights.

Every pound counts. Efficient and cost-effective business travel is no longer a luxury—it's a necessity. Companies that master the art of booking corporate flights can save big and keep their budgets from getting out of control.

Tired of watching your travel budget fly away with every booking? What if there was a smarter way to save big and make your business travel a breeze?

We’ve got the lowdown on how you can book smarter and save money without sacrificing the comfort and convenience your team deserves. Let’s go!

1. What is a corporate flight and how does it differ from regular flights?

A corporate flight is booked under a business travel program using negotiated rates, corporate loyalty perks, or travel management tools. Unlike standard flights, they often include benefits like flexible cancellations, priority boarding, and the ability to track travel spend across your company.

Before you book, assess your company’s travel needs. Look at how often your team travels, the top domestic and international destinations, and preferred airlines. Are your employees jet-setting internationally or mostly on domestic flights?

Then create a clear travel policy. Think of it as your corporate flight manual. It sets rules for booking, preferred suppliers, expense limits, and reimbursements. Without it, employees may make costly personal choices rather than cost-effective ones. A policy standardises bookings, maximises negotiated rates with airlines and hotels, and helps unlock savings for your business.

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 policy standardises bookings, keeps travel spend in check, and 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. How can my company save money on corporate flights?

The simplest way to save? Plan and book early. Booking flights in advance usually gets you lower fares and better options. Keep travel dates and times flexible too — flying off-peak can make a huge difference.

Corporate booking platforms, like YOUR.CT, help you compare fares, track expenses, and access exclusive airline deals and corporate credits. Using a travel management company (TMC) amplifies these savings. With negotiated rates and loyalty program access, TMCs ensure every dollar stretches further.

3. What perks come with corporate flight bookings?

Corporate flight perks go beyond cost savings. Employees may enjoy upgraded seating, extra baggage, priority boarding, lounge access, flexible cancellations, and loyalty points.

Leveraging these perks improves comfort while keeping business travel cost-efficient. Pairing corporate loyalty programs with a TMC gives your team access to deals the general public doesn’t see, like discounted upgrades and flexible ticketing options.

4. How do TMCs help with corporate flight bookings?

Managing business travel has never been easier, thanks to a bunch of travel apps and tools like our Melon 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 have your back, ensuring you can snag the best deals and save time.

But booking is just the beginning. When it comes to managing 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 fine-tune your travel budget. This smart approach to corporate travel management means you're saving money and making moves that boost your company’s bottom line.

5. Are there technology tools to make corporate flight bookings easier?

Yes. Corporate travel platforms centralise bookings, suggest budget-friendly options, flag out-of-policy requests, and provide analytics on travel patterns. Tools like YOUR.CT integrate flights, hotels, car rentals, and expense management in one place, giving complete control over your company’s travel program.

Mobile apps, such as the CT Mobile App, lets employees book flights, tweak your plans, and stay updated on travel disruptions. This means no more juggling multiple sites or stressing over last-minute changes, so you lock in the best deals and save time.

With the right tools, you’ll make smarter moves that boost your company’s bottom line.

6. Maximise flexibility

Budget airlines are great for short domestic trips, while road or rail options can sometimes be cheaper and more convenient than flying. Combining multiple meetings into a single trip also reduces costs and travel time. Efficient scheduling keeps employees productive and travel spend down.

Intelligent, efficient business travel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. A bit of creativity goes a long way.

7. Book accommodation smartly

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. Manage travel expenses

Tracking business travel expenses doesn’t have to be a headache. With YOUR.CT, employees can upload receipts from their phones, monitor spending, and automatically sync expenses — giving you an overview of your travel costs and saving your finance team hours of manual work.

Plus, customisable reporting tools let you analyse data, spot trends, and catch policy leaks, ensuring your travel budget stays in check.

9. Encourage employee compliance with travel policies

Clear, accessible travel policies reduce costs and smooth trips. Communicate rules effectively, offer incentives for cost-saving behaviours, and review policies regularly to keep up with changing business and travel needs. You can even add a bit of motivation by offering incentives, like gift cards or bonuses, for employees who achieve cost savings. When employees follow guidelines, your business travel program runs more efficiently and economically.

10. Working with a TMC: The ultimate saving hack

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.

Here's a win to ponder:

Everyone I've dealt with at Corporate Traveller treats us like part of their organisation ... They're invested in what we're doing as much as we are. I feel listened to and understood, and I really appreciate having an expert in every area that I need.

Ingrid Ralph, Travel Lead, Hydro Tasmania

Fasten your seatbelts: let’s recap

We’ve covered the key ways to save on corporate flights — understanding your business travel needs, booking smart, using the right tech, and teaming up with a travel management company. The goal? To make business travel smoother, smarter, and more cost-effective.

Now it’s your turn to put these strategies into action and watch the savings take off.

Want to see what you could save?

Don’t guess it — calculate it. Use our Savings Calculator to see just how much time and money your business could save with Corporate Traveller on board. From lower fares to smarter booking workflows, every minute (and dollar) adds up fast.

Exclusive rates, unlocked