I work for a very small company (7 employees) and every dollar counts.
Our clients pay our travel costs. Many times I've been complimented on my diligence in getting an airfare below $250.
The trend appears to be towards offering bonuses for higher fare. I believe CO and AA are offering double miles for full fares. THAT is a smart way to do it.
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"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."