Did you spend a lot of time stuck in airports over the holiday season?  Of course you were not alone, but check out this story for some really funny images and observations about how some stranded travelers behave and why!

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It’s official—business travel is making a big, solid comeback.

Reports out this week confirm that U.S. companies are forecast to spend 5 percent more on travel in 2011 than they did in 2010 — a sure sign that the economy is rebounding, and giving an additional lift to airlines, hotels and rental car companies. That’s twice the growth rate posted in 2010.

Last year’s increase in business travel had already helped boost the economy— companies spent an estimated $228 billion. The growth seen in 2010 also helped U.S. airlines post their first profit as an industry in three years. Profits are also adding up at hotel chains like Marriott and Hyatt, and at rental-car companies like Avis and Hertz.

An even more relevant signal is the return of corporate retreats. But now they’re back in a more modest form, in keeping with the level of growth experienced in the current economy.

Next big comeback–corporate housing!!

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We’ve talked a lot here on the Corporate  Housing Network blog about lessons we can take from our corporate housing and lodging competitors to make our offerings more affordable, comfortable and ultimately, successful.

While some of the accommodations we aspire to offer our guests are not always within our set budgets, we can still take in the plethora of ideas out there that are being offered by what many of us would agree are luxurious, enviable properties and find ways to make them our own if perhaps on a much smaller scale.

Because I am always in search of story ideas online to share with you–tips, trends and news that impacts all of in the world of corporate housing and business travel–when I come across an article that not only shares great ideas, but also provides inspirational images too, I can’t help but share the link with all of you.

Take a look at this link to a photo feature of the world’s top business hotels.  I think you’ll find it a fun, creative way to start the week.  Much better than waiting for the next snow storm to blow through!

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It’s a new year and that always means change.  So far in 2011 it appears that the economic recovery is continuing, and for corporate travel buyers that means tougher negotiations with hotels for breaks in rates.

What this means for corporate housing owners and managers is this–we often have the ability to be flexible and offer varying rates and perks to our customers, rates and perks not always available as a negotiating chip for large hotel chains.

Right now the average increase in rates being offered by hotels is between 10 and 15 percent, a pretty healthy increase for corporate travel buyers still struggling with wary bosses who are closely watching the bottom line.  On average, hotels in New York City are asking for an increase of about 20 percent.  A very big change.

Many corporate buyers are reporting that negotiations this year are frequently requiring three or four rounds before a deal amenable to both parties can be struck. 

So now’s the time for all of us to rethink our own pricing strategy for 2011, and alter our marketing message a bit in response to what the hotels are offering the customers we are all competing for.  Good luck!!

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For the third year in a row, Continental Airlines tops the Business Travel News’ Annual Airline Survey (BTN).  The survey asked corporate travel buyers to rank various carriers based on service delivery and performance.

Ironically United Airlines, which recently merged with Continental, wound up at the bottom of the list.  United’s customer service is once more the focus of criticism.  Now that the merger has gone through, corporate travel buyers are hoping that Continental’s business model will have a positive impact on United.

American Airlines was ranked second, and is tied with Continental for taking the top spot in the BTN survey.  American’s focus is primarily on customer service, a key theme for successful air carriers across the board. 

What’s your favorite airline?  Send us a comment and tell us which carrier provides you with the most pleasant flight experience.  We’ll post your thoughts right here, on The Corporate Housing Network.

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According to researchers with  American Express Business Travel, corporate travel costs could possibly rise by double digits in 2011.

Now that the economy has begun to strengthen, worries about corporate bottom lines are also receding.  Hotel rates and airfares are the key items that are expected to jump in the coming year.  The National Business Travel Association (NBTA) concurs, indicating that with the improved economy, that pricing power will swing back to the hotels and airlines. 

So what’s the lesson for corporate housing owners and professionals?  Be prudent and cautious when raising rates.  Yes, we could and all should find a way to capitalize on the economic upswing.  But one of the lessons of the past couple of years has got to be learning to exercise a cautious, yet optimistic approach.

Let’s be a little more creative, prudent and before we decide it’s time to follow the pack and hike prices for our accommodations, take a look at what we need and want to achieve and adjust our rates accordingly.

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Talk about creative and cool! This story should serve as a great inspiration for corporate housing owners and hoteliers everywhere.

If you’ve stayed as many places as I have while traveling on business, the same cookie cutter hotels and corporate housing units get pretty dull and uninspiring after a while. I don’t know, I guess I would probably never even consider staying in an igloo for any reason beyond pure desperation, but these little guys look pretty cool. 

So if you’re looking for a little inspiration for your corporate housing properties in the coming year, you’ll want to spend a few moments looking right here.  If not for anything but pure fun or wishing on a holiday star.  You may just find some interesting ideas here to transform how you view your accommodations and your clients in the year to come!

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If you’re flying on these three airlines this holiday season–AirTran, Delta and Virgin America — you’ll be receiving an unexpected little gift.  You’ll be able to access Wi-Fi absolutely free.

Google Chrome says it will partner with the three carriers to offer free “Gogo Wi-Fi” on domestic flights through Jan. 2, 2011.

That means you’ll be able to conduct research, write and send information ahead while you fly, no down-time, no spotty service.  That’s just one less hassle—and a big one at that—to deal with over the holidays. Talk about lowering stress levels.

According to David Cush, president and CEO of Virgin America, in-flight Wi-Fi is a key factor with travelers who book tickets with his airline. “We saw a jump in the number of guests logging on after last year’s free Wi-Fi gift,” Cush said in a statement, adding he expects another increase this year. “Once people try Wi-Fi at 35,000 feet they rarely go back.”

I concur.

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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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