Can organizations give travelers control of their own trips?

Over the past month, control has been a major topic in the business travel industry. Recently, studies have shown that travelers would like control over their trips. When traveler arrangers hear this, it may be a bit unnerving to managers, as travelers are not always aware of the regulations or intricacies that go into making a trip.

From here, the question remains – is it possible to give your travelers control over their own itineraries? With the assistance of travel experts, we believe it’s possible. Travel management companies (TMCs), like EWA Travel, Inc., can empower your travelers to have control over their own trips in multiple ways.

As your organization begins the move to giving your travelers control, managers must examine the corporate travel policy. Ensuring their voice is heard as you craft your organizational travel policy is of the utmost importance. Some organizations may overlook this point, but it’s one of the most important when it comes to developing policies. While there are many rules that must be followed, your organization's travel policy will have the most impact on your travelers, which is why it’s important to address their concerns.

We discuss personalization quite a bit on the blog, as it is one of our greatest hallmarks, but it’s important to note that it can play a large part in meeting traveler needs. EWA's approach to empowering travelers to have control is to offer a personalized approach to meet the needs of the client while abiding by travel policies and regulations. When personalization is added into the mix, it allows travelers to understand that their voice is truly being heard and their concerns are being considered with every reservation.

Individual travelers also can take matters in their own hands after the reservation is made. The President of EWA Travel, Tom Ollinger, explained, "Another way for travelers to have control over their trips is to make sure to provide the airline with cell phone/email address when doing online check-in.  If there are delays/cancellations, this is one additional means of receiving time-sensitive travel information."

Travelers have their own needs and concerns, independent from those of their organizations. As we realize this, it’s important for travelers to feel that they have control over their trips so they can address their own needs. Organizations have an obligation to address this and offer solutions, like the ones above to offer their travelers some control.