Hard to get around a company policy. And my experience is that the company travel agency need the volume to get their discount, even if it is not the cheapest fare available.

If you can prove a BIG savings, you might get them to let you book. But a few bucks ain't gonna do any more.

Back in 'the good ole days' my company let us book our own flight and use our own credit cards. They were exceedingly good at reimbursing within 3 days, so I never worried about interest payment. All those fares churned thru my AmEx/MR account!! But now they switched to a corporate credit card. I am sure the company gets some benefit, but I sure don't anymore. Sigh!