Although we aren’t very far into 2010, The Corporate Housing Network isn’t surprised to report that  U.S. airline passengers, who are already paying higher checked-bag fees and fuel surcharges this year, should brace for more increases as the industry tries to return to profit.

Delta Air Lines Inc., United Airlines and Continental Airlines Inc. are each raising their prices to check a first and second bag this month. The  new, higher fees follow last week’s $20 increase in the round-trip fuel surcharge on flights between the U.S. and Europe by the five biggest carriers with international service.

Traditionally, the practice of hiking fees or adding surcharges eliminates the uncertainty airlines typically experience when they apply fare increases, which carriers usually rescind unless competitors match the higher rates they propose.  United added the first bag charge in February 2008, joining airline fees that were already in place for getting meals or snacks, specific seats, blankets and pillows or to speak with a reservation agent.

Still, the overriding good news here is that companies and organizations are making a slow but sure return to business travel in 2010, so while the price shifts that many in the United States may face when boarding a plane for a business trip might be unwelcome, the rise in business travel is an indicator that economies are stabilizing and growing again, with business leading the way.  And once the seats on these flights start to fill up again, the need for additional increases will taper off. 

Ultimately, it’s all good.

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Sometimes you can’t help being on the road for work, but you can do something about how long your trip takes, and your overall experience en route. Kind of a fun thing for the nouveau business traveler, and  some great reminders for those road warriors who are constantly on the go! Check out these time-saving tips business travelers, so you can spend less time on the travel, and more time on the business.

- Keep a packed bag. Even if you don’t know when your next business trip will be, get in the habit of re-packing your carry-on bag with fresh clothing and essentials when you return from being on the road. It may seem like an annoyance, but this step will save you valuable minutes the next time your alarm goes off at 4 a.m. for an early morning flight and all you have to do is reach for a bag and go.

-Fly regional airports. Your travel agent may steer you towards the big hubs, where there are more flight choices, but flying out of smaller airports can save you time and hassle. Security lines, traffic, parking, and the check-in process are often easier and quicker at smaller or regional airports, so be sure to consider all of your options before booking.

-Book direct flights.  This sounds simple, but your company travel agent will likely book you on the cheapest (and often longest) flight. Do some research ahead of time so you’ll be armed with alternatives to suggested itineraries. Taking direct flights to and from your destination can often mean savings beyond just your time. You may, for example, be able to avoid overnight stays, which will save on potential hotel, car and meal expenses.

- Check in online. As the airlines continue to cut staff, check-in lines at the airport will only continue to get worse. Checking in online will allow you to bypass this step and proceed directly to security. Note: Checking in online will have been in vain if you have luggage to check – always travel with carry-on sized bags!

- Select your seat.  Ask that your travel agent seat you near the front of the plane whenever possible (this is after you have requested your first class upgrade, of course!). You can check your seat assignment as you check in online, and make changes if seats have become available further to the front. Being able to hop off the plane quickly – and avoid throngs of amateur travelers in the aisles – will save time and your sanity.

- Sign up for frequent flier programs. Members of frequent flier programs – particularly fliers with status – can gain access to designated security and check-in lines, which are always shorter and faster.

-Program your GPS unit.  Program the addresses for all of the stops you’ll be making on your trip (including airports, hotels, meetings and restaurants) into the “favorites” section of your GPS unit. This will eliminate the need to fumble with maps or ask for, and look up, directions on the road.

- Park smarter. One of the biggest time wasters for business travelers is the hassle of parking. Sign up for monthly parking passes wherever they are available to avoid waiting in long pay lines. Try to always park in the same lot to lesson your chances of a lengthy search when you get home. At the very least, don’t forget to write your car location down on one of your business cards. The fastest way to get in and out of an airport is to use valet parking, but you’ll pay a premium for this service. When you’re running late for a flight, this option can be the difference between missing or catching your flight.

-Use rental car loyalty programs. Members of auto loyalty programs face a much shorter wait when both picking up and dropping off cars. Research which rental company has the most convenient pick up and drop off location – many facilities are off of airport grounds, requiring additional travel by bus or train. Lastly, sign up for e-receipts (if available through the carrier), as this will save you time at drop-off as well as when you are doing your expenses.

Well, just some fun little tips for you to use when you’re getting ready to hit the road for work…again! 

If you’ve got any great tips, please do share!  Send your comments to this blog and we’ll be sure to post your wisdom right here on The Corporate Housing Network blog!

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It’s something we in the corporate housing industry talk about a lot, but it’s always good to see evidence of what we all believe to be true!

According to research conducted by Oxford Economics, a consulting firm that collaborates with Oxford University’s business college, for every dollar companies spend on business travel, they get an average of $12.50 in revenue and $3.80 in profit.

Just a nice little nugget of information that confirms what we already know–the best times for corporate housing and business travel and growth are ahead of us, not behind us.

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From the White House to your house, with all of the talk about the attempted  bombing on Christmas Day from the Amsterdam-to-Detroit flight, thought it might be a good idea to inject a little cyber “reality check” via The Corporate Housing Network Blog.

According to the a survey of  150 travel managers conducted by the National Business Travel Association — the association for business travel professionals — in the wake of the event, the attempted bombing is likely to have little impact on business travel volume.

In fact, the number of respondents reporting the attempted attack raised new concerns about the safety of air travel (43%) was almost equal to the percentage of those reporting no new concerns resulting from the attempted attack (42%).  And a whopping 81% of respondents said their companies would not reduce travel as a result of the attack, and only 2% said they would reduce international travel.

What an encouraging sign that the economy–and desire to conduct business all across the globe–will not be hampered by this unfortunate event.  Of course, it remains quite important that we all remain vigilant as we travel, but it is good to know that we are getting better at thwarting attacks and picking up on them in the first place.

Safe travels to all.

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Great news!  Looks as though business travelers appear to be returning to the front of the airplane, a sign that companies may be feeling more optimistic about the economy, American Express Business Travel said earlier this month.

The results of the company’s most recent Business Travel Monitor survey indicated that airfares rose modestly during the last quarter while international travel on business class fares rose 1 percent.

“This is an encouraging sign for the business travel industry because it indicates increasing demand, as well as willingness to pay for premium products, which help with supplier profitability and their ability to provide consumer discounts,” said Christa Degnan Manning, director, eXpert insights,  Global Advisory Services,  American Express Business Travel.

It’s also great news for corporate housing professionals!  Here at The Corporate Housing Network we’re planning for a prosperous new year, and it looks as though many of our colleagues are doing the same!. Hope you are all enjoying the holidays and looking forward to the year — and decade — ahead!

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I know we are just entering winter, but I’m hoping we’re seeing yet another harbinger of good news andpositive signs of  life for business travel and corporate housing.

The giants of business travel brands including  American Express, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic and IHG are returning to the Business Travel & Meetings Show this coming February in London. According to reports, the London show is seeing a “significant upturn” in the number of bookings over the past four weeks, not only from larger brands returning to the show but also smaller exhibitors who are interested in reaching the buyers that plan to attend. Star Alliance, Accor Hotels, Hilton Brands Garden Inn, Hampton , Doubletree,
GetThere, the Trainline, Amadeus, Sabre Travel Network, Carey Worldwide Chauffeur Services,
Bridgestreet Worldwide, Hotel Reservation Service, NYS Corporate, BCD Travel, Choice Hotels, Air New Zealand, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Concur, Emirates, Flybe, JAL and Premier Inn are listed on the roster of companies that will have a presence at the show.

That’s some encouraging news. Business travel and corporate housing businesses of all sizes are getting excited and amping up again.  Looks like it’s going to be a great year ahead!!

For a full exhibitor list and to register for the event, please visit www.businesstravelshow.co.uk

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You read it correctly. Never a charge to search and request housing on TCHNetwork!

In your search for corporate housing, are you tired of endlessly calling 800# after 800#, only to be told “Let me look into this and get back to you”? On TCHNetwork, you are in the driver’s seat. You can view Real-Time Availability options from amongst the most respected corporate housing providers – nationally and internationally – at NO cost.

Looking for a 1 bedroom with a den in the DC Metro area? A rental home in South Florida? A townhouse outside of Manhattan? Perform a quick SEARCH, pick and choose from countless options, and contact the property owner directly and immediately, right from our site.

More good news…since the upcoming furnished units you see on the site are already (or about to be) vacant, you may be in a position to negotiate a more aggressive rate.

If you don’t see an exact match, click REQUEST corporate housing. When you do, housing providers in that area automatically receive a notification alerting them that TCHNetwork has found a match. Corporate housing providers will get back to you immediately – and compete for your business. The end result? The rates you receive will be extremely competitive, and corporate housing owners will keep their units full. Everyone wins.  Talk about a Happy Holiday!

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Well, the world is changing.  In the wake of a major change in the U.S. credit and financial markets, people have changed how they do everything–especially business.

And corporate housing and business travel are no exceptions.  With increased focus on how travel and human resource managers are handling everything from business trips to employee relocation, many of us are acutely aware of how much more diligent, price-savvy and cautious our counterparts and colleagues are.  I, for one, think this is a very healthy trend.  Had many managers handled their business this way to begin with, we wouldn’t be here today.  But that’s history, and what’s ahead is the future, and with the future comes new trends.

Some of the trends corporate travel managers, corporate housing professionals and human resources folks are seeing are a very natural reaction to the current climate.  Companies are sending fewer people on extended business trips or to work on projects.  They’re also requesting more flexibility when it comes to check in, check out and cancellations.  And the market is adjusting and responding accordingly. 

More people are requesting connections for their electronic devices, access to the internet and supplied electronic devices as well.

So what does the future require?  Well, the key appears to be flexibility.  Employees, executives, corporate housing providers and travel managers will all need to be both patient and flexible while the markets all work themselves out and business returns to some level of normalcy in the coming months.

Meanwhile, the shakeout has been a very healthy thing  for the most part.  The strong have survived, processes for all things have improved, and so has the level of accountability. 

There are still challenges ahead, but the worst of the market tilt has leveled off.  Now it’s important we all adapt and provide the very best in customer service to our clients and our bosses in the new year and beyond.  It’s a lesson I’ve certainly learned, and one we could all benefit from.

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I wanted to stop and take a moment this busy holiday season to bring to our Members’ attention a very common occurrence that takes place when valuable prospects visit The Corporate Housing Network.

There are, of course, pluses and minuses to most corporate housing sales situations (i.e. you get the deal, but it wasn’t as profitable as you would have liked [however, in this economy, providers are just pleased to have gotten the deal, right?]; or, you get the deal, and you net tremendous profit… but the financial risk and/or vacancy exposure you have had to ensue makes you unable to sleep at night). On TCHNetwork.com, there are handfuls and handfuls of lucrative opportunities to safely anchor some solid deals — one, in particular, comes to mind.

Recently, The Corporate Housing Network received a “Request for Housing”.  It was for a 10 to 12 month lease, in NYC. Now, I will admit, the budget wouldn’t make most of our clients drool. However, I need to stress the following: As you can imagine, individuals and companies will ALWAYS try to get the lowest rate possible — it is human nature. If someone posts a Request with a budget range of $3,000 – $3,500, they will do so even if they know a typical monthly rate for that market is well over that amount. Especially in the economic turmoil most individuals and corporations are still confronting, they fear that they will overprice themselves. They echo the following thought process: “What ‘if’ a Provider is willing to offer me a deal (perhaps, on a vacant unit they are trying to unload), but now I’ve just exposed myself, and confessed in black and white that I’m actually willing to pay $2,000 more per month?”. You see what I mean?

Often it becomes the Providers’ job to educate the prospect about typical rates for their market (don’t forget, most are relocating from an entirely different metro, with entirely different rates; they often have no idea what a typical monthly rate is in your market). So, if I were you, bid on any opportunity that comes your way, within your wherewithal. Please do NOT allow the budget ranges that prospects’ indicate make or break your financial success. Didn’t your Dad or Mom ever tell you that EVERYTHING is negotiable? Mine sure did. And, they were right (that’s a WHOLE ‘nother story/blog).

Kat Schneider Fotheringham & her Partners launched The Corporate Housing Network (www.TCHNetwork.com) in ‘06; since then, it has revolutionized the short-term, furnished housing industry. The site’s real time availability options solve short term, furnished housing needs all over the world.

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More news to consider regarding the cost of corporate travel and corporate housing in the coming year.  According to the Egencia’s 2010 Corporate Travel Forecast — average ticket prices (ATPs) for corporate travelers are expected to increase globally, while average daily rates (ADRs) for business travelers are expected to increase only in Europe.

With the focus on the health of the economy and its impact on corporate and business travel, Egencia contacted more than 100 travel managers and discussed with them their cost control measures, travel spend and expectations for the next 12 months.

According to Egencia’s  respondents, 59 percent say company travel has slightly or significantly reduced this year, compared with 48 percent a year ago in 2008. Ten percent reported a slight increase in business travel, compared with only 3 percent a year ago. If you are a corporate travel manager hoping to stay within and even maximize your budget dollars, here are some tips for you:

• -Always advance-book airline tickets (almost 60 percent of those surveyed use advanced booking)
• -It’s not always easy, but be the enforcer at your organization. The strict enforcement of travel policy will likely save your company money, and make it much easier to track activity
• -Actively track unused tickets to make sure you are getting the most for your dollar, and not missing an opportunity to utilize those tickets somehow, somewhere
• -Make sure employees who travel receive pre-trip approval to make certain you aren’t booking travel incorrectly, wasting you and your company’s time and effort
• But even with a more disciplined approach, you’ll find that prices will inch upward, and here are some of the reasons why:
• -The impact the post-recession economy will have on corporate travel demand
• -Airlines will continue their trend of maintaining capacity discipline
• -Mergers within the airline industry, which may cause Average Ticket Prices (ATPs) to remain elevated by about 5 to 10 percent
• -Average daily rates (ADRs) for housing are expected to stay flat

With European cities showing signs of positive growth, while business demand will begin to rise, especially for finance markets, ATPs and ADRs in top European destinations for business travel are expected to rise slowly.

In Asia-Pacific, corporate travel ATPs are expected to rise just slightly across the region as demand continues to outpace supply.  Yet fewer business travelers to the Asia-Pacific translates to flattened ADRs.

A  mixed bag to be sure, but as the economy continues to creep upwards,  positive news and momentum continue to grow right along with it.  Looks like it may be a more profitable new year for all!

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