INSIGHTS
7 reasons why you should always book through your TMC
Your company's business travel and expense policy has been built to protect yourself and the organisation. Without a clear policy, traveller safety is in jeopardy, costs can spiral, and the entire travel experience can be off-kilter.
"In a GBTA survey, addressing non-compliant travel bookings was the top risk-related priority for travel buyers in 2024. Many travellers believe that booking on their favourite website will save the company money, but that's not often the case. Plus, business travel isn't just about saving money," says Andy Hegley, General Manager, UK & Ireland at FCM Travel.
If you're responsible for business travel at your organisation and need help reminding travellers why it's important to book through your appointed travel management company - here's some reminders to share with them.
1. Safety and security
TMC software like FCM Platform has built-in traveller tracking software, so both your employer and the TMC know where you are when you’re away on business. This ensures you can be kept you informed about disruption to flights and any other incidents that might affect your work trip. If you find yourself in an emergency, this features means your TMC can get you out – quickly.
2. Productivity
Searching all those websites takes up hours, and doesn't always mean cheaper airfares and hotels. Your TMC has inventory from thousands of suppliers and websites in one place, so it's easy to compare and easy to book. Plus all your details and loyalty programme numbers are stored, so you don't have to punch them in for every trip.
3. Your company can’t save what it can’t see
If you do your own thing, expenses don't always reconcile, and your company can’t see exactly what's been booked. In the same way, if you book at the hotel down the street from the company’s preferred hotel because it’s got a comfier bed, your company cannot leverage that spend against a better rate at your preferred hotel. So money is actually lost.
4. Make easy changes without all the T&Cs
Travel plans change all the time, but online bookings normally have a fee to amend or cancel. If you'd booked via your TMC, it would have special terms, conditions and extras included from the start, meaning it's easier and cheaper to change.
5. Always someone to help
It’s tough to build a rapport with the internet and it's nice to be treated as a person, not a booking reference number. While you don’t need to speak to a human for most bookings, there are those which aren’t as simple as "click and confirm". Your TMC has built up a deep understanding of your company’s travel programme and will make the recommendations that best suit you and the company as a whole.
6. Exploring alternative travel modes
When it comes to travelling between cities that don’t restrict you to one means of transport, your TMC can give you an immediate comparison of the available options, such as renting a car or using a train.
7. Added perks
A TMC can secure extra benefits and prices specifically for your employer, based on what suits your buying strategy and company culture. You could get free Wi-Fi and complimentary lounge access as standard.
8. TMCs have an insider line to suppliers
When there's problems or a complaint, are you able to get through quickly, and are you confident the problem will be resolved? TMCs have laid down processes for ensuring that traveller feedback is actioned. After all, a travel programme that doesn’t meet your needs is not in anyone’s interest.