With airlines charging add-on fees for everything except oxygen, business travelers who fly frequently can use a break. Bargains on business airfares are out there. Here's how to track them down.
Purchase your tickets during the week. Buying tickets on Tuesdays as opposed to another weekday won't save you money, writes abcnews.go.com travel columnist Rick Seaney, who's one of the country's leading airfare experts. He does say that airlines tend to offer cheaper business fares for tickets bought on weekdays. He suggests business travelers sign up for email alerts at travel and airline sites. When deep discounts come across their desks---you'll be alerted.
Shop early---but not too early. Seaney says airlines usually start actively managing their cheapest seats about four months before the flight's departure. Waiting for last-minute cheaper business fares is risky because, to save on their costs, airlines have reduced the number of flights they have in the air.
Shop around---online. There are several online discount travel sites. Flyertalk.com, an ezine for frequent flyers, lists Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com, Expedia.com and Airtran.com as four of the most recommended online travel agencies that continually offer the best deals on flying. Compare business fares at several online agencies to get the best price.
Buy direct. When you do find an awesome online business fare, don't be afraid to call the airline and ask for that fare by booking directly with them. Some travel sites have booking fees. Missionsplace.com suggests writing down the exact flight numbers and departure times and calling the airline---they may even offer you a deeper discount.
Use a travel agent. One of the most important aspects of a travel agent's job is the ability to shop for low fares. As a businessperson, you can understand the logic behind the travel agent's goal to save business travelers money. "We live on repeat business," said Joe Shippley, travel agent for Carlson Travel in New Mexico. Finding a good travel agent not only saves you money---it frees up your time.
