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Finding and Using a Business Travel Agency

The problem with booking business travel is that there are too many choices — way too many choices. Bottom line, how can you be sure that you're getting the best airfare, the lowest hotel rate, or the cheapest rental car?

Should you book your own travel on the internet? It's handy, available 24/7, but who do you call if you have a problem when you're on the road? Many small business owners are discovering that is more efficient – and perhaps cheaper in the long run – to have a travel professional navigate the maze of travel options. A good business travel agent can quickly search for low fares and rates. A very good one will go the extra mile and become your personal travel assistant and advocate.

There are three things to consider when selecting an agency:

Look for an agency that knows business travel, not just "travel in general"
Reservation technology should be advanced, fast, and comprehensive
Travel agent skills and customer service should be top-of-the-line

Check professional credentials

The largest travel agent organization in the world is ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents). The NBTA (National Business Travel Association) includes travel management companies among its members.
Try: At NBTA's Web site, look for business travel agencies among the state-by-state list of Allied Members. Check for agent/owner credentials like CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) and CTIE (Certified Travel Industry Executive) conferred by The Travel Institute.

Ask about agency technology

Find an agency with a reservation system that scans ALL fare databases including Web sites. Ask about enhancements like "best fare search," consortium hotel and rental car programs, fare checker, seat checker, unused ticket management and an online booking program. Do they have accounting and reporting technology that tracks travel expenditures and an online booking program you can access 24/7?
Try: The major GDS (global distribution systems) are Galileo, Sabre and Worldspan. Most agencies will have one, large agencies more than one.

Bricks-and-mortar vs. online business travel agencies

Companies like CWT (Carlson Wagonlit Travel) and American Express Travel have a large network of local offices under a national or global corporate umbrella. Online agencies like Travelocity, Expedia and Orbitz offer as much or more technology than traditional agencies, with varying levels of personal service.
Try: Check out traditional managed business travel programs CWT (Carlson Wagonlit Travel) and American Express, and online programs Travelocity Business, Expedia Corporate Travel, and Orbitz for Business.

Travel agencies charge service fees. Ask for a complete list upfront.
Resist aligning with a travel agent just because he/she is a personal or family friend. The key is finding a business travel agent.
Ask about 24-hour service and an after-hours 800 number. Most business agencies offer this.
Make sure you have a computer profile in the agency's reservation system; it's a big timesaver.
You should have a travel policy in place for your traveling staff. Ask your agency for examples and help developing one.
Ask how you can benefit from the agency's vendor relationships with airlines, hotels and rental car companies.

More Travel Agencies Vendors

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Abacus Travel

Travel agency providing a business-to-business travel management solution.

http://www.abacustravel.com

Accent On Travel

A travel agency providing upscale cruises, travel and tours.

http://www.upscaletravel.com/

AdvancedTravel Group (ATG)

Travel management company offering corporate travel management solutions worldwide.

http://www.advancedtravel.com/

Aer Travel

Corporate travel agency assisting clients with managing travel expenditures through web-based applications.

http://www.aertravel.com/

Aeroglobe Tours and Travel

Travel agency providing corporate travel management services.

http://www.aeroglobe.com/

Air Bank, The

This agency specializes in first and business class travel to destinations worldwide with savings of up to 40% - 60% off the published fares through the brokering of upgrades and frequent flyer mileage.

http://www.airawards.com/

Air Discounters International

This travel agency specializes in discounted airfares from the United States to most major cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, South Pacific, Mexico, Central America and South America.

http://airdiscounters.com/

Air-Supply!

A travel agency specializing in consolidated airfares.

http://www.air-supply.com/

Airtrak Travel Agency

Specializing in low airfares, cruises and last minute corporate travel.

http://www.airtrak.com/

All at Your Service, Inc.

Specializing in travel to Orlando, Florida.

http://www.floridaorlandotickets.net/

Tips & Advice to help you make your decision on Travel Agencies

If you are interested in finding the best travel arrangements that can help you enjoy a relaxing vacation, then you might want to consider learning more about the services that travel agencies can offer. Choosing the right travel agent for you could mean that you get to take advantage of exclusive deals that are not offered to the general public. It could also mean that you get the information you need to have the best possible trip for your interests.

Travel agencies can often provide a wide range of services. For instance, an agency might specialize in trips that focus on the interests of singles, families, or professionals. An agent might also have access to travel packages ... more