Travel Notes: Travel agencies fight for corporate customers

Linda Strait is manager of Great Southern House of Travel, a full-service travel agency in Springfield.

The entry of Orbitz, Expedia and Travelocity in the corporate travel market won't spell disaster for traditional travel agencies, according to most corporate agencies.

But, it is keeping the agencies on their toes in finding ways to keep transaction fees down.

Corporate travel management entails much more than the ability to self-book. Business travelers need service. Exchanging a ticket en route, when plans change, is not easily done online. Occasionally things do go wrong in travel (weather cancellations, oversold hotels), and you need someone to call on. And detailed and customized management reports are sketchy with online companies. How special can you be when you are anonymous?

While a $5 online transaction fee is appealing, it quickly increases with the changes business travelers often have to make. If the option of calling an agent is offered, you can be charged another $15 on top of your original fee.

In spite of the drawbacks of online corporate travel management, traditional agencies are feeling the effects of the initially low transaction fees and mega-money marketing campaigns.

Corporate agencies are responding with programs that allow their corporate accounts options that are tailored to their particular needs. Most corporate travel agencies offer online self- booking tools that reduce transaction fees, with features that allow travelers to access their records online at any time. They have long had access to discounted rates for cars and hotels. They have 800 numbers and extended hours so that their travelers can reach them while on the road, and they have account managers who can get them the reports and information they need to be most effective in cost control.

Business travel management demands a high level of service and attention to detail. Corporate travel agencies can provide the cost saving methods demanded and also personalized service. And you have someone to hold accountable.

If you are a road warrior, here are two Web sites that you may find helpful:

www.joesentme.com An advertisement-free site that links you to information you may need at your destination, such as a Kinko's locator, pharmacy locator, overnight couriers and local restaurants (even suggestions if you will be entertaining). You can also get updates on what's happening with hotel chains and airport check-in procedures.

www.seatguru.com This site displays airline seating charts with highlights of the best and worst seats on the plane.