10 actionable strategies to reduce friction from your travel program

Mobile app for quick win

Using the mobile app will reduce frustrations and increase traveler satisfaction. They will receive instant notifications for any changes during the day and after hours also. In our market, the virtual payment card in the mobile app is a massive win and removes the unwanted call to the after-hours team. The app gives travelers freedom to manage their trips on the move.

- Jaco Brits 

Business Leader Account Management, South Africa 

Align policy, technology, and suppliers 

Align policy, technology, and supplier strategy under a clear governance model. Fragmented decision-making often causes problems. When the corporate travel policy intent is clearly translated within the booking technology, supported by a curated preferred supplier program, travelers are guided toward the right choices without feeling boxed in. Driving stronger compliance, cost control, and duty of care outcomes.

Imran Ali 

Regional Account Manager, United Arab Emirates (UAE) 

Simplify or remove approval processes 

“Review your approval workflows and identify steps that slow bookings. Reduce the number of approvers or adopt soft approvals that guide behavior without blocking trips. Empower travelers to act quickly while your account manager monitors compliance and trends, keeping the program fast, friction-free and aligned with company policy.”  

- Phillip Paterson 
Assistant Head of Account Management New South Wales, Australia  

Communicate to remove the guesswork 

Educating travelers through internal forums and effective communication helps the reduce FAQs directed to the travel manager and response times. Regularly connect with your account manager and bring subject matter experts to the table to streamline payment, solution design and technology.

- Jessica Tan 

Team Leader Account Management, Southeast Asia 

Remove ambiguity from policy 

Audit your travel policy for uncertainty. Spell out where travelers should book, how much they can spend, preferred providers, and how to handle exceptions. That clarity removes friction, empowers confident booking, and keeps things moving without unnecessary back and forth.

- Tim Hunt 
Assistant Head of Account Management New South Wales, Australia 

Guide the right choice in the moment 

Policy non-compliance is one of the top concerns for travel managers. Leveraging technology that triggers automated notifications during booking helps guide travelers and boost compliance. Tools such as FCM Extension provide clear, direct policy guidance at the point of decision.

- Sven Stiefel 

Senior Account Manager, Germany 

Translating policy into day-to-day behavior 

Policies often look good on paper but create friction in real life. Share your travel policy as practical booking guides, FAQs, and real-life examples, making it easier for travelers to do the right thing the first time. Regular check-ins with travel teams and your TMC also help address small issues before they grow.

- Disha Andani 

Account Management, India

Streamline approvals for seamless bookings  

Complex internal processes create unnecessary delays. Clearly define the approval process in your policy. This empowers your travel management company (TMC) to book efficiently and creates a smoother experience for everyone.

- Gwladys Etey-Benissan 

Senior Account Manager, Switzerland 

Data-driven decisions for the win 

Smoothing out travel programs starts with understanding the unique needs of your travelers. By leveraging data insights and aligning policies with real-world scenarios, you can create a frictionless experience that supports both the traveler and business goals.

- Tyler Foehr 

Director of Account Management, Americas