Booking Business Travel Flights
As well as this airlines have also been working on a range of tools for business travel that would benefit the business or corporate travellers experience, including the improved and competitive mileage programs, a quicker check in for business travel and an online check in.
As well as this business travel lounges with broadband connection were also introduced, along with better food and refreshment services and the increased power ports for laptops, phones, etc. Hotels are not far behind airlines in providing these sorts of services for business travel, including offering flexible points programs, broadband connection in all rooms and fast check in and check out services.
Larger business travel accounts have travel agents operating in a travel management role, commonly referred to as Travel Management Companies (TMCs), which provide services including, but not limited to, consultancy, traveller tracking, data and negotiation assistance and policy advice.
There has been a document increase in recent trends in the business travel market, extending to the implementation of Self Booking Tools (SBTs), where you can allow automated booking of trips within company policy for business travel.
Due to the modern needs of the business traveller a new class of travel was released with this in mind. Known as business class, it is a high quality second-tier travel class available on both airlines and rail lines. The level of accommodation available in business class is higher than economy class and domestic first class, but is lower than international first class.
Business Travel by Air
The first business travel seats were originally an innovation by the Qantas company in 1979. 1981 saw the Scandinavian Airlines System introduce a EuroClass class for business travel use which featured a separate cabin, dedicated check-in counters and lounges for full-fare passengers.
In Canada the airline service Air Canada has named their domestic business class product executive class, which evolved from a connoisseur class, which was originally available for full fare paying economy passengers. The US only offers business class or business travel on intercontinental and long-haul flights, which include transcontinental flights.
Europe and the majority of the other countries in the world brand the premium product on shorthaul two-cabin aircrafts as business class for business travel. This is generally an enhanced economy seating with a better service and amenities.
Long haul business travel seats are generally quite different from economy class seats, with many airlines installing a lie flat seat into business class, which was originally only offered in first class travel. There are three types of long haul business travel seats available on the majority of airlines today, each differing in quality:
Cradle Seats: seats that feature around 160 degrees of recline.
Angled Lie Flat Seats: these seats recline by 180 degrees in order to provide a flat sleeping surface, however they are not fully parallel to the floor of the aircraft when reclined, which makes them slightly less comfortable than a bed.
Fully Flat Seats: these recline into a flat sleeping surface that is parallel to the floor.
Occasionally some wide body cabins will feature herringbone seating, where seats are positioned on an angle, allowing for all seats to have aisle access. Some airlines that do not offer the lie flat business class seats offer a considerable amount of leg room in their long haul business class compared to the economy section, to create a better experience during business travel.
As it is with first class, in business class business travel all alcoholic beverages are complimentary with meals being of higher quality for business travel than that of economy class. Economy class passengers are not permitted in the business class cabin, allowing a peaceful journey during business travel.
Business Travel by Rail
For short-haul business travel on trains, the business class is generally considered to be the first class. Usually sitting at the front of the train, business travel offers a different experience for the train traveller.
First class is the most comfortable option during business travel, offering the person extended leg room and much more comfortable seats. The trains feature free Wi-Fi for work-related purposes as well as weekday newspapers and power sockets at each table, allowing you to plug in your phone and/or laptop computer.
There is also a first class menu available on trains during business travel, where you can enjoy free-range eggs, outdoor-reared meat and fairtrade hot drinks brought to your table.
Whether going long-haul or short-haul during your business travel ensure you look into all of your options to ensure you are being provided with exactly what you need, whether that be some sleeping time, culinary delights, power access for work-related purposes, Wi-Fi or just friendly, fast and professional service.