The Internet has ushered in an era of do-it-yourself travel booking where business travelers make their own flight and hotel arrangements to important industry conferences and client events. Many are now convinced that only they can find the best deals and travel management for themselves. Are travel agents needed?
"While the Internet has given many travelers a sense of confidence over their travel plans, self-service is the last thing that comes to mind when disruptions happen to itineraries," says Rob Hard, publisher of BusinessTravelDestinations.com and owner of RH Communications, Inc. (RHCI), a Chicago-based services firm that specializes in travel.
When these situations happen, travelers are reminded that customer support has diminished in just a few short years. Many business travelers are stranded, waiting for automated updates from airlines, crowding in airports, or listening to hold music for hours. "These situations require advanced travel logistics and people who know how to respond immediately," Hard says.
Unpredictable Factors Impact Business Travel
To say that natural disasters wreak havoc on international travel is an understatement, often lasting for weeks if not months: earthquakes, tsunamis, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, pandemic outbreaks, blizzards, wildfires and other situations that seem to happen when least expected.
Strikes by airline employees can also become the proverbial 800 pound gorilla that can keep planes grounded. "And we shouldn't overlook strikes by their suppliers. During Christmas week last year, travelers slept at Charles de Gaulle airport as they waited for a supply of de-icer from the U.S. This, because employees of the French supplier of de-icer were on strike," Hard explains.
The fluctuating cost of travel is another factor impacting business travel, baffling industry experts and seasoned travelers alike. Fuel prices, ancillary fees and destination taxes create unpredictable ripples. And it seems that the strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar hasn't hit the radar yet, but it should because that contributes significantly to the cost of travel.
Keywords: Airlines, BusinessTravelDestinations.com, Transportation.
This article was prepared by Journal of Transportation editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2011, Journal of Transportation via VerticalNews.com.
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