The reality is very few companies over the past few years have allowed their employees to fly first class anyway. The goal is to get the lowest reasonable fare. A lot depends on airports. Just by driving 30 miles to Los Angeles, you could save several hundred dollars on fares.
On changes in the travel industry . . .
"Clearly, the larger travel management companies will continue to prosper because they are specializing in volume discounts and large corporate customers. But I believe there is a role for smaller travel agencies."
On the need for companies to have travel policies . . .
"Every company needs to look at giving their travel company some guidelines. Travel is the third highest controllable expense for a company."
On the confusion of air fares . . .
"Deregulation allowed airlines to price fares however they want to."
On booking reservations on airlines that have filed for bankruptcy protection . . .
"It's probably a safe bet if you do it in the right manner. You always want to use a credit card to purchase tickets (because) if an airline fails to honor the ticket . . . then you really do have some recourse to get your money back."
