Corporate Flight Policies for Employees Booking Business/First Class?
#391
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
We've just been issued a new travel policy which requires economy for anything less than 9 hours, then premium economy for anything more - unless no PE available and then we can go business. As I live on the east coast of the US, there aren't going to be too many flights anywhere in the US nor to Europe that are more than nine hours - and I'm dreading the overnight flights.
Interestingly, I work for a consulting company and our travel gets billed back to the client - so it used to be that we could follow the client's travel policy (not to say that it's any better). But now, we have to follow our own only. It did make me wonder, though, what other corporate travel policies are like. What are yours like?
(I fly a lot, but not enough on a particular airline to get the kind of status that would nail me a nice international upgrade.)
Interestingly, I work for a consulting company and our travel gets billed back to the client - so it used to be that we could follow the client's travel policy (not to say that it's any better). But now, we have to follow our own only. It did make me wonder, though, what other corporate travel policies are like. What are yours like?
(I fly a lot, but not enough on a particular airline to get the kind of status that would nail me a nice international upgrade.)
I often pay out of pocket to move to PE on my TATL's. Usually a difference of $200-$300 per round-trip and I still get the rest day.
Want to go anywhere in Europe and flights to London are only $600! What a deal!
That's great until you realize you can go to, say, ATH for $1000 but spend $200 less a day on lodging alone.
Several people have mentioned their employer has nothing in the policy prohibiting out of pocket paid upgrades. It makes me wonder - is there any reason an employer WOULD prohibit an employee upgrading with their own money?
I frequently upgrade with my own money. My employer doesn't prohibit it. I'm not sure if they would even known I'd done it.
I frequently upgrade with my own money. My employer doesn't prohibit it. I'm not sure if they would even known I'd done it.
Perhaps their biggest savings came about from people finding every reason possible to not travel at all, and some of their best (and most expensive) talent leaving for greener pastures.
I've heard that have since changed their policies. I have no problem with an employer imposing a coach-only, cheapest chain hotel policy if they're up front about it. But at least allow people to use their own status/money/points to secure additional comfort if that's what they want to spend it on.
Go Dawgs!
#392
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: USA
Posts: 1,153
Interesting insight. While I don't agree with all parts of such policies banning upgrades, I at least now know they exist and understand the reasoning behind them.
The focus on flight costs, while somewhat disregarding hotels and cars, irks me. Thankfully, through discussion here, I realize I don't have all that much to complain about regarding my flight policy (J at >6hrs international). However, domestic can be more painful, and I sometimes struggle to have our system give me a Delta or United flight over a Southwest or Frontier.
The focus on flight costs, while somewhat disregarding hotels and cars, irks me. Thankfully, through discussion here, I realize I don't have all that much to complain about regarding my flight policy (J at >6hrs international). However, domestic can be more painful, and I sometimes struggle to have our system give me a Delta or United flight over a Southwest or Frontier.
#393
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 9,307
The most recent post was less than 3 weeks old when you started your thread. I would wager the thread has been on the first few pages for most of its existence.
#394
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
I had a boss years ago who wouldn't let me take rest days. I would regularly fly LAX to LHR and back, and be expected to hit the ground running that same day in some cases.
HE on the other had..when HE came back from LHR or SIN we wouldn't see him for 3 days. Hypocrite. That was just one of the many reasons I quit that boss.
Not understanding the need for a rest day is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to employers. It's just as bad as treating wait staff poorly (if they are abusive to people they see as subordinates, they will eventually be abusive to you) and absurdly low-balled salary offers.
HE on the other had..when HE came back from LHR or SIN we wouldn't see him for 3 days. Hypocrite. That was just one of the many reasons I quit that boss.
Not understanding the need for a rest day is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to employers. It's just as bad as treating wait staff poorly (if they are abusive to people they see as subordinates, they will eventually be abusive to you) and absurdly low-balled salary offers.
#395
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
I had a boss years ago who wouldn't let me take rest days. I would regularly fly LAX to LHR and back, and be expected to hit the ground running that same day in some cases.
HE on the other had..when HE came back from LHR or SIN we wouldn't see him for 3 days. Hypocrite. That was just one of the many reasons I quit that boss.
Not understanding the need for a rest day is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to employers. It's just as bad as treating wait staff poorly (if they are abusive to people they see as subordinates, they will eventually be abusive to you) and absurdly low-balled salary offers.
HE on the other had..when HE came back from LHR or SIN we wouldn't see him for 3 days. Hypocrite. That was just one of the many reasons I quit that boss.
Not understanding the need for a rest day is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to employers. It's just as bad as treating wait staff poorly (if they are abusive to people they see as subordinates, they will eventually be abusive to you) and absurdly low-balled salary offers.
Nobody liked him and he couldn't seem to keep a job for some reason.
#396
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Scotland - ABZ
Programs: Qantas LTG, BA-Blue, KLM -Gold, SAS - Silver
Posts: 2,057
#397
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Body in the CLE, soul still in New England
Programs: In 2023? Does it matter? SPG/Marriott: Plat; DL: Plat; B6: Mosaic
Posts: 2,979
I work for a top global consulting firm, and our policy is very clearly stated.
Below Manager staff class, all travel is coach
Manager to 1 level below Partner, if you fly more than 75k per year (company certified program using our amex booking records) you can book 1 class above coach (loosely defined as FC) for all international and any US flight over 3 hours.
Partner and Partner Parity, First
Has been that way for at least 5+ years.
Below Manager staff class, all travel is coach
Manager to 1 level below Partner, if you fly more than 75k per year (company certified program using our amex booking records) you can book 1 class above coach (loosely defined as FC) for all international and any US flight over 3 hours.
Partner and Partner Parity, First
Has been that way for at least 5+ years.
#398
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
Small boutique consulting firm. Global clients.
Any intercontinental over 5 hours, Business class generally.
US transcon business class, JFK-LAX/SFO
Intra US, economy, less than 5 hours
Intra europe economy, less than 3 hours. This also covered Europe - Africa, i.e Paris Casablanca.
Intra europe/mideast business class on flights over 3 hours. Example : London to Moscow, Paris-Dubai
There are exceptions :
I have been able to expense intra Asia as business class on short flights. These are loosely defined as international out of base, so Hong Kong to Taipei was not a problem. US client.
I have not been able to expense QR intra mid east first class because it shows up on the receipt as first class. Also US client.
My policy is spelled out in my contract. No one ever has a problem with it.
I have never been able to expense a First Class ( 3 cabin/4 cabin) intercontinental ticket. That would be nice!
Nor do I dare ask, since its not the norm
I am generally allowed to book anything, though some clients make me use their portal, travel management company. I generally LOATHE to fly US flag carriers ( all of them) and certain low quality carriers, i.e MS, and do things like requesting to fly out of at a certain time, day to a certain destination, which is almost an exact match with the flight I want.
Any intercontinental over 5 hours, Business class generally.
US transcon business class, JFK-LAX/SFO
Intra US, economy, less than 5 hours
Intra europe economy, less than 3 hours. This also covered Europe - Africa, i.e Paris Casablanca.
Intra europe/mideast business class on flights over 3 hours. Example : London to Moscow, Paris-Dubai
There are exceptions :
I have been able to expense intra Asia as business class on short flights. These are loosely defined as international out of base, so Hong Kong to Taipei was not a problem. US client.
I have not been able to expense QR intra mid east first class because it shows up on the receipt as first class. Also US client.
My policy is spelled out in my contract. No one ever has a problem with it.
I have never been able to expense a First Class ( 3 cabin/4 cabin) intercontinental ticket. That would be nice!
Nor do I dare ask, since its not the norm
I am generally allowed to book anything, though some clients make me use their portal, travel management company. I generally LOATHE to fly US flag carriers ( all of them) and certain low quality carriers, i.e MS, and do things like requesting to fly out of at a certain time, day to a certain destination, which is almost an exact match with the flight I want.
Last edited by OpenSky; Sep 3, 2018 at 12:15 pm
#399
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: ZRH/LUX/LON
Programs: BA GGL/ VS Gold. Former: UA 1K (10 years+) , EY partners Plat, SQ PPS Club, SU Gold, LH SEN/HON
Posts: 770
I work for a top global consulting firm, and our policy is very clearly stated.
Below Manager staff class, all travel is coach
Manager to 1 level below Partner, if you fly more than 75k per year (company certified program using our amex booking records) you can book 1 class above coach (loosely defined as FC) for all international and any US flight over 3 hours.
Partner and Partner Parity, First
Has been that way for at least 5+ years.
Below Manager staff class, all travel is coach
Manager to 1 level below Partner, if you fly more than 75k per year (company certified program using our amex booking records) you can book 1 class above coach (loosely defined as FC) for all international and any US flight over 3 hours.
Partner and Partner Parity, First
Has been that way for at least 5+ years.
#400
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,188
#401
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Scotland - ABZ
Programs: Qantas LTG, BA-Blue, KLM -Gold, SAS - Silver
Posts: 2,057
We have to get tech personnel to rigs all over the world from their homes which are mostly near regional UK&I airports.
Sometimes they will have to drive, bus or train to a better airport, and same again at destination. Mostly at last minute so there are few bargains - especially on routes also frequented by tourists and holidaymakers at certain times.
Sometimes PE or J are the only seats available on certain legs.
For long haul, our customers will accept a fixed US$3000-$6000 mob/demob fee per mobilisation, and from that we have to cover all travel expenses.
Sometimes we can't do it for less than the mob fee but our priority is to be there on time so we take the loss and offset against other times when we have a surplus.
"Swings and roundabouts" as we say. Win some, lose some. Take the rough with the smooth.
We encourage all the techs to enrol in FF programs and we "don't ask, don't tell" about how they use them.
If it makes their lives easier, it makes our lives easier too.
For business travel, it's nothing but an internal expense so I do the best I can to keep costs down, within reason.
Always economy but use points to upgrade occasionally. Sometimes at last minute, PE or J are the only seats available - so be it.
I'm unapologetic about taking "rest days" since my time is not chargeable per diem and any extra hotel or subsistence costs can be outweighed by flight or other savings. (like departing the afternoon or evening before for a positioning flight before long-haul, rather than take the more expensive early morning flight)
Sometimes they will have to drive, bus or train to a better airport, and same again at destination. Mostly at last minute so there are few bargains - especially on routes also frequented by tourists and holidaymakers at certain times.
Sometimes PE or J are the only seats available on certain legs.
For long haul, our customers will accept a fixed US$3000-$6000 mob/demob fee per mobilisation, and from that we have to cover all travel expenses.
Sometimes we can't do it for less than the mob fee but our priority is to be there on time so we take the loss and offset against other times when we have a surplus.
"Swings and roundabouts" as we say. Win some, lose some. Take the rough with the smooth.
We encourage all the techs to enrol in FF programs and we "don't ask, don't tell" about how they use them.
If it makes their lives easier, it makes our lives easier too.
For business travel, it's nothing but an internal expense so I do the best I can to keep costs down, within reason.
Always economy but use points to upgrade occasionally. Sometimes at last minute, PE or J are the only seats available - so be it.
I'm unapologetic about taking "rest days" since my time is not chargeable per diem and any extra hotel or subsistence costs can be outweighed by flight or other savings. (like departing the afternoon or evening before for a positioning flight before long-haul, rather than take the more expensive early morning flight)
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: ORD
Posts: 14,231
I have a friend who instructs his assistant to always book the highest class available. Of course, he's CEO, so he gets a little latitude...
I asked him if profligate airfare spending is really in the shareholders' best interests, and he replied that a well-rested CEO is key to realizing shareholder value.
I asked him if profligate airfare spending is really in the shareholders' best interests, and he replied that a well-rested CEO is key to realizing shareholder value.
#403
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: gggrrrovvveee (ORD)
Programs: UA Pt, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,091
I had a boss years ago who wouldn't let me take rest days. I would regularly fly LAX to LHR and back, and be expected to hit the ground running that same day in some cases.
HE on the other had..when HE came back from LHR or SIN we wouldn't see him for 3 days. Hypocrite. That was just one of the many reasons I quit that boss.
Not understanding the need for a rest day is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to employers. It's just as bad as treating wait staff poorly (if they are abusive to people they see as subordinates, they will eventually be abusive to you) and absurdly low-balled salary offers.
HE on the other had..when HE came back from LHR or SIN we wouldn't see him for 3 days. Hypocrite. That was just one of the many reasons I quit that boss.
Not understanding the need for a rest day is pretty much a deal breaker for me when it comes to employers. It's just as bad as treating wait staff poorly (if they are abusive to people they see as subordinates, they will eventually be abusive to you) and absurdly low-balled salary offers.
#404
Suspended
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,808
I have a friend who travels overseas for work frequently and he is one who hits the ground running because he wants to spend as much time with his family as possible. This generally means flying to Europe on Sunday evening, arriving Monday morning, and going straight to meetings/work. His boss, on the other hand, tried to keep up with him on one trip and gave up after 2 days, lol.
#405
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,745
My company is fine with us taking an extra hotel night in order to not take a redeye for flights from US west coast to East coast. Although that is an option that certainly leaves me more rested, many times I will elect to take the redeye anyway and power through the day just to get home earlier. But that's my choice, which I appreciate having.