I'm in a little different situation but it boils down to the same problem.

I'm a director, but we're not awash in cash right now, so the money can go to my bottom line or to an airline's.

What do I do?

- Fly less convenient times
- Fly to/from nearby alternate airports with cheaper tix
- Try to be diligent about advance booking

What I will not do or ask my people to to save money:
- More than 2 stops (1 preferably)
- Drive more than 2 hours if possible
- Saturday-night stay (Excl. international)

If your company is doing well (tell me what you do!) or if you are a star performer you should have some leverage in terms of not making ridiculous schedules.

That said, many companies view travel almost as a *benefit.* People who travel are usually going to spend time with customers and other Important People. Employees who spend lots of time with Important People are more likely to be well-paid Important People themselves. There is a tendency in some places to say, "If you don't like it, then get off the fast track."

Best,
-cwk.

"You're miserable and you hate your job? You know there's a support group for that: it's called Everybody and it meets every day after work at the bar..."
- Drew Carey Show