Guidelines for business class bookings
The rules regarding your corporate travel policy on business class bookings are an important section to include. Whether employees are not permitted to make business class bookings under any circumstances, or whether there are specific scenarios where they can, you need to make it clear from the outset what the rules are.
Although they’re typically less cost-effective than coach class bookings, there are circumstances where it makes sense to opt for business class bookings. For example, many companies specify in their corporate travel policy that business class bookings can be made if the travel segment exceeds a certain amount of hours (common benchmarks are anywhere between six and ten hours).
This type of rule allows companies to offer their employees comfort and flexibility during long-haul business travel, and can have a positive impact on traveller satisfaction — an important
travel management KPI
to be mindful of.
You’ll also need to consider a section where employees are permitted to use business class bookings when they’re cheaper than economy bookings. For example, there will be times when economy bookings are more expensive than business class after costs such as baggage fees and in-flight meals are factored in.
Another circumstance where employees could be allowed to make business class bookings is in the case of booking last-minute travel, where economy class bookings may be unavailable at short notice.
Remember, if there are no circumstances where employees are permitted to make business class bookings, make it exceptionally clear in your corporate travel policy to ensure there are no issues during the reimbursement process.