Since the return to travel, the cost of grabbing a quick bite and a glass of wine or refreshment at the airport has skyrocketed. The increased cost of labor, produce and food preparation, prices at the checkout have risen by up to 50% in the last two years. Regardless, business travel is an essential aspect of many companies, fostering partnerships, expanding market reach, and promoting collaboration. So the expenses associated with airport travel can quickly add up, impacting a company's bottom line. In fact, According to a study by the Global Business Travel Association, business travelers spend an average of $293 per day when traveling for work.
So, how can we better manage and control these expenses, ensure our team is getting the best value and are guided to better and healthier options for the airport downtime? By implementing smart strategies to reduce employee airport costs, ensuring that the business trips remain cost-effective without compromising productivity or comfort.
Strategic Flight Booking
Encourage employees to plan trips well in advance, taking advantage of early booking discounts and off-peak travel times. Getting in touch with travel management companies and signing up for a flight alert service like going can help you save 40-90% on roundtrip flights to destinations all over the world from your home airport.
Expense Policy Review
Regularly review and update your company's travel expense policy. Establish clear guidelines on allowable expenses and set reasonable limits. Providing employees with a comprehensive expense policy ensures transparency and helps manage costs effectively.
Expense Tracking and Reporting Tools
Implement robust expense tracking tools to monitor and analyze travel expenses. This allows for better understanding of spending patterns, identifying areas for improvement, and making informed decisions to optimize costs. Generate alerts for price discripencies when one travler is paying more fore the same airport service then an other ( e.g. lounge). Share Airport tips and hacks; best food, quiet zones, layover options. Share company wide, particularly when you use the same set of airports.
Educational Workshops and Tools
Offer workshops or resources to educate employees about cost-saving strategies and tools, such as fare comparison websites, budget-friendly accommodations, or efficient packing tips to avoid extra baggage fees.
Utilize Airport Lounges
Consider investing in airport lounge memberships or programs that offer access to various lounges worldwide. These lounges provide a serene environment, complimentary snacks, beverages, and amenities like Wi-Fi, enabling employees to relax and be more productive before their flights.
For companies with a high volume of travel, negotiating bulk purchases of lounge memberships can be a cost-effective solution. This not only ensures consistent lounge access for employees but also strengthens partnerships. Sanctifly is designed to do just that.
A simple solution to centralize all your employees' airport expenses, get them at the very best rates, and advise them on the very best and often exclusive options to spend their time. One corporate customer with over 50,000 travelers, reported a saving of over 50% on airport lounges expenses! Read more here.
How does Sanctifly reduce my airport expenses?
- We are always better value than the walk-up rate of the lounge, normally 30% better value. Anyone walking up to a lounge and paying at the door is paying top wack!
- Lounge deflection. We encouraged 55% of members not to go to the lounge, to enjoy an alternative walk, run, gym, spa or place to relax.
- We independently identify quiet zones and places to refresh or work, that cost a fraction of the lounge rate.
- If the flights are delayed we cover the full cost of the lounge or spa access (more detail)
- We can centralise all lounge access expenses to one corporate account and centrally report on all choices and activity.*
New in 2024: Business accounts start at only $99 per month for up to 100 employees. Right now Sanctifly is offering new corporate customers 50% off their first year (2024). Get in touch with us to know more
Minimizing airport travel costs and prioritizing employee comfort and well-being can positively impact morale and productivity while managing expenses effectively. By adopting these strategies, businesses can strike a balance between cost reduction and employee satisfaction, enhancing the overall travel experience.