Plan Your Meetings

The good news: Discount airlines are adding features aimed at catering to business travelers, like “business select” rates (Southwest), assigned seating, and discounted contracts along wtih computer bookings for corporate travel managers. The carriers want a bigger share of the corporate travel business, which is good news for planners searching for the lowest rates in the current economic climate. The bad news: The airline industry (big carriers) may be shrinking again, depending upon the outcome of current merger negotiations. More consolidation most likely means fewer options and higher prices for domestic travelers.

For now, all you can do is keep an eye on what is happening while you search fares for your destinations. Or, as many planners are reporting, keep your meetings closer to home base, where attendees can drive in and avoid the aggravations of flying.

We’d like to hear about your tips for smoother flying, or about your good and bad experiences.