Spotting Compliance Slip-Ups and Cost Saving Opportunities
Some travellers stick to policy, others—not so much. If you’re managing business travel, keeping track of traveller habits is key to controlling costs and staying compliant. An assessment of essential tools and resources for business operations, including maintenance costs, is crucial for making informed financial decisions. That’s where Melon’s Traveller Detail Report comes in. It gives you a clear view of booking trends, compliance gaps, and opportunities to optimise your programme.
Digging into the details with Melon
Melon, Corporate Traveller’s all-in-one platform, makes travel management a breeze. Enhancing communication between departments can significantly improve operational efficiency. With tools like the Traveller Detail Report, you can easily monitor:
- Out-of-policy bookings (someone keeps skipping approvals—sound familiar?)
- High travel costs (business class on an economy budget?)
- Travel frequency vs. spend (is one trip costing more than it should?)
This detailed view helps you cross-check expenses, adjust policies, and keep travel running smoothly.
Where travel goes wrong and busts your budget
Some travel habits can quietly drain your budget. Here are common compliance issues to keep an eye on:
- Booking too late: Last-minute bookings often mean premium prices. One employee’s delay could cost three times the usual rate.
- Skipping cost-effective options: Could a hotel closer to the client have been cheaper? A missed deal adds up over time.
- Ignoring approval processes: Bypassing approvals leads to unexpected expenses and policy headaches.
- Travelling inefficiently: Frequent flyers aren’t always strategic—are trips being combined when possible?
- Spending beyond reason: High costs don’t always equal waste, but context is key. Are premium seats or top-tier hotels really necessary?
Non-compliance with travel policies can result in significant penalties and increased costs.
Melon’s reporting gives you the full picture so you can curb waste before it becomes a habit.
Travellers who get it right
Some travellers just know how to navigate business travel smoothly. They book smart, stick to policy, and keep costs in check. With the Traveller Detail Report, you can identify these pros and learn from their habits.
It is crucial to keep employees informed about new processes and changes to ensure their actions align with the latest policies.
Here’s what they’re doing right:
- Using travel credits and deals: The savviest travellers work with their travel manager to maximise credits and unlock exclusive rates.
- Booking preferred suppliers: Sticking with negotiated airline and hotel partners means lower costs and smoother experiences.
- Planning ahead: Strategic travellers book at least 14 days in advance, avoiding last-minute price spikes.
- Following policy: Organised travellers follow booking and expensing guidelines, making approvals and expenses seamless.
- Leveraging loyalty programmes: Adding frequent flyer and hotel loyalty numbers ensures smoother bookings and more rewards.
By identifying top-performing travel behaviors, you can encourage these smart habits across your team
Compliance and Customer Trust in Travel
Compliance with regulations is essential for building and maintaining customer trust in the travel industry. Travel companies that prioritise compliance can see a significant increase in customer loyalty and retention. According to a recent article, customers are more likely to choose travel companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to compliance and safety.
Adhering to data protection regulations is critical for maintaining customer trust and avoiding reputational damage. Seeking professional advice on compliance matters ensures that travel companies meet the necessary standards, which can ultimately help cut costs and increase profits. In the travel industry, compliance is not just a legal requirement but also a key aspect of customer service and experience.
Investing in compliance training and equipment for employees can help them understand and implement necessary procedures. By prioritising compliance, travel companies can demonstrate their commitment to customer safety and security, leading to increased customer trust and loyalty. In a competitive market, the link between compliance and customer trust is undeniable, and travel companies must prioritise both to remain competitive.
Level up your travel programme
So, you’ve identified the trends—now what?
Corporate Traveller’s Customer Success team is here to help. These travel pros will analyse your programme, pinpoint cost-saving opportunities, and refine processes to make business travel simpler and smarter. With quarterly reviews, they’ll help you:
- Streamline processes for smoother management.
- Identify savings opportunities by examining waste output from every department to enhance both environmental and financial efficiency.
- Address last-minute booking trends and policy concerns.
- Highlight what’s working and scale it across your team.