| September 29, 2011 |
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- Column: Ancillary fees continue to raise questions
Airline fees seem to be ever-increasing, which can lead to some confusion among business travelers. This article cites experts who say that fees make up about 9% of the cost of a business trip, less than half of the 20% that some sources have estimated. However, some charges, such as those for checked bags or in-flight meals, might not be anticipated by travelers. "I think companies struggle with what fees are reasonable to reimburse. But I also think business travelers are confused about what's allowed and what isn't," said Ellen Trotochaud, a senior director at Concur, which helps companies manage travel costs. The New York Times (tiered subscription model)
(9/12)     
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- Ending outrageous data overages when traveling
While most domestic data packages make it wise to live off your smartphone when conducting business at home, there's a world of difference when it comes to accruing roaming charges while traveling abroad. "As it was for landline calls and cellular calls before it, data roaming becomes a murky cesspool of extra fees the moment a business traveler crosses a national border," Joe Brancatelli writes. Portfolio.com
(9/14)
- Using "alternative airports" to save money and stress
A Harris Interactive study says 88% of travelers flying into "alternative airports" not only reported a happier experience, but a vast majority -- 77% -- found the experience less stressful, too. "The main reason to consider an alternative airport is to find lower fares," Ed Perkins writes. MSNBC
(8/11), SmarterTravel.com
(8/17)
- When business class travel makes sense despite high price tag
There are still some scenarios where business class clearly makes more sense, writes Angus Kidman. A few examples: when you land overseas and need to head directly into a meeting, when the price difference is minimized by a corporate travel policy, and when you require the most flexibility. Lifehacker
(9/5)
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- Number of telecommuters may rise thanks to fiber optics
Telecommuting may become easier with the help of fiber-optic networks. "With the continued expansion of higher speed broadband, telecommuting is emerging as a standard business strategy to lower costs and improve productivity," said Utah Department of Workforce Services Executive Director Kristen Cox. Higher bandwidth levels allow for the feeling of face-to-face communication with smoother video connections among multiple coworkers. The Deseret News (Salt Lake City)
(8/24)
- Cloud-based service from AGT cuts costs, not connection
A new collection of teleconferencing tools from Applied Global Technologies called PerfectMeetings Video includes a free mobile app and special features in the cloud meeting rooms, such as file storage and live desktop sharing. "Video conferencing adoption has been slowed by both the exclusion of certain endpoints and cost to deploy hardware. ... Our cloud-based service manages interoperability issues and requires no upfront capital for a true HD-to-mobile video service," said Mike Valletutti, Chairman and CEO of AGT. TMCNet.com
(8/31)
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Has your company cut back on business travel this year?
 | Yes, by quite a bit. |
| Somewhat. |
| No, but we're being asked to save money on the road. |
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Are first- and business-class travel off the table at your firm?
| Yes -- we've been ordered back to coach. |
| Yes, but I upgrade with miles or status. |
| No -- our policy hasn't changed. |
| We've always flown economy class. |
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Has your employer ever asked you to share a hotel room?
| Yes, and I agreed. |
| Yes, but I refused. |
| No -- it's against our policy. |
| No, and I hope they never do. |
| No, but I wouldn't mind it. |
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Recent SmartBrief on Sales Issues:
- Wednesday, September 28, 2011
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While attending the recent Global Business Travel Association convention, this columnist stayed at a hotel where the room cost rose $100 for the event, he writes. He also paid for in-room Internet that seemed to work at dial-up speed. "There are a few basic [business travel] solutions I'd like to see," Joe Sharkey writes. 
