Travel Free for All!

In speaking with a colleague today, I learned that one of his clients does not have a T&E preferred supplier program in place for airlines, hotels or ground transportation.  In fact, this company spends millions on travel and allows their travelers to buy tickets from any place of their choosing.  They have no travel policies.   Their employees look up the typical trip cost estimates in their travel database and use it as a guideline when booking trips.  With the estimated trip costs in hand, they are free to book their travel any way that they choose.  When they return, if their trip was less than the estimated cost, they may bank the additional "credit" for their next trip.

What do you think? Is this a new trend for generations that don't want to follow our policies?  What are the implications?  How many companies are moving toward "less controls?"  Of course, I have many opinions but am curious to hear YOUR perspective.

Debi Scholar, GLP, CMM, CMP, CTE, CTT

Thank you for visiting the T&E Plus Blog on expense management, travel management, business meetings, events, incentives, strategic meetings management, entertainment, virtual meetings, tickets, hotels, airlines, ground transportation, T&E policy, plus more...

Debi has the following designations:

·         Wharton Aresty Executive Education/National Business Travel Association (NBTA) Global Leadership Professional (GLP)

·         Meeting Professionals International Certificate in Meetings Management (CMM)

·         Convention Industry Council Certified Meeting Professional (CMP)

·         NBTA Corporate Travel Expert (CTE)

·         Six Sigma Green Belt

·         Chauncey Certified Technical Trainer (CTT)

Follow me on Twitter ...http://www.twitter.com/debischolar  and on LinkedIN at http://www.linkedin.com/in/dscholar

Comments

[Melissa]

Very interesting - I have seen more of the reverse with my clients, mandating approvals prior to purchase, or better still mandating that they go thru their travel or meeting planning department within the company in order to book travel, airline, hotel, meetings, etc. Would personally suggest to this company that they have more controls in place in order to protect their employees and know where they are should any emergency situation occur.

[Alex Kutin]

This is contrary to what I have been experiencing with my discussions. I believe that companies are going to more control and utilizing people within their organizations to control expenses.

[Alex Kutin]

Also, sounds like they need a review of their travel policies with controls to enforce.

[Dennis Bailey]

I dont think its the norm for sure, but that doesnt mean they dont need help. I suggest you refer them to a Travel Consultant who could conduct a review and present a summary of where they could be and what they could saving. I recommend.......let me think........ ME