Optimizing expensive short-haul flights
Dec 31, 2018, 3:06 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2013
Programs: VIPorter First, AC E50, Accor Platinum, SPG Ambassador
Posts: 13
Optimizing expensive short-haul flights
I frequently fly short-haul Y fares, paid for by my company. The mileage earn on these is unattractive, as they're usually very short distances (e.g. YYZ-YOW, YYZ-YUL, etc.) But because my company purchases Latitude fares, and I often need to buy last minute, the dollar spend is quite high. Is there an earning partner that I should be crediting to in order to take advantage of these high dollar, low mile flights?
Dec 31, 2018, 3:58 pm
#3
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: AC SE100K, Marriott Titanium & LTP, NEXUS
Posts: 613
Dec 31, 2018, 5:12 pm
#4
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SEMM / HH Diamond
Posts: 3,167
I can't talk for the OP, but at my company the use of flight passes is explicitly banned due to the lack of accountability.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
Dec 31, 2018, 9:55 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AC SE MM, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 904
I can't talk for the OP, but at my company the use of flight passes is explicitly banned due to the lack of accountability.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
In the end, this costs the company money despite the attempt to save money. And then there are the ways to circumvent the "requirements" to still get the flight/class that you want.
Dec 31, 2018, 10:23 pm
#6
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: YEG
Posts: 3,925
I can't talk for the OP, but at my company the use of flight passes is explicitly banned due to the lack of accountability.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
Dec 31, 2018, 11:41 pm
#7
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SFO
Programs: *G^2, Bonvoyed, NEXUS
Posts: 3,516
I can't talk for the OP, but at my company the use of flight passes is explicitly banned due to the lack of accountability.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
If there was some sort of connection between the AC systems and Concur, then it might be possible.... but without that, it's a no-go even though I understand it would make more sense financially.
Jan 1, 2019, 1:25 am
#8
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: SFO
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Jan 1, 2019, 5:36 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Mississauga Ontario
Posts: 4,105
I'm in the client business. I used to bill my clients actual cost - full fare economy or J. Then the accountants showed up. Tried to have contracts amended so they could subject me to their restrictive rules, ridiculous fare classes, etc.
Fortunately, I can tell my clients that if they want my services, they do it on my terms. So all my contracts are now flat-fee airfare, approximately equal to the cost of full-J.
They take it or leave it.
And, no more stupid accountants.
Jan 1, 2019, 7:06 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: YYC, Canada
Programs: AC 35k
Posts: 1,898
Do you have to use AC? This is a situation where WS actually makes sense. High spend = quick platinum and some decent WSD earn. The flights are so short you don't need anything else (I think they have lounge passes though). Latitude translates to econoflex which will eventually give you free upgrades into proper J seating.
I'd almost never recommend this to a YYZ flier but based on your travel it makes sense.
I'd almost never recommend this to a YYZ flier but based on your travel it makes sense.
Jan 1, 2019, 10:25 am
#11
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC SEMM / HH Diamond
Posts: 3,167
Jan 1, 2019, 5:10 pm
#12
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC e75K, *G, SPG/MR PPE
Posts: 315
Jan 1, 2019, 5:24 pm
#13
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,402
Agreed. To add to this: if you put your TA IATA code into the flight pass, your company can run reports on FP usage. They can be easily audited to validate that travel is legitimate business travel. I buy my own FP, and make my own FP bookings, but we have a simple (mandatory) policy of including the IATA code and my company can and does audit my FP use. The company gets accountability, and I get flexibility and a vastly improved booked and travel experience.
Jan 1, 2019, 5:26 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: AC 50k 1MM, Marriott LT Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,402
Either way works. Once it is set up to work with flight passes you then "register" as a FP user in Concur. Then, whenever you book a flight, you put in the cities and date, and before you get taken to the matrix of possible flights, it will ask you if you want to use a FP -- it is smart enough to detect if your city pair matches a FP that you "own".
Jan 1, 2019, 5:54 pm
#15
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: YVR
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Posts: 613