First, do your homework. Now where you want to go and when you want to go. As an example, if you want to fly into Midway instead of O’Hare, learn what flights are available at each airport. Any travel site will do, just do your research.
Second, when you enter your travel request, you will have to be specific about your requirements. If there is a flight that leaves JFK at 8:02AM and arrives in O’Hare and another that leaves JFK at 8:05AM and arrives in Midway, be sure to set yourself up for the Midway flight. In other words, in our travel system, I simply enter that I need to leave JFK anytime between 8:04AM and 8:06AM. Which flight will the computer select? It’s only option! 8:05AM to Midway.
Third, you might need to be creative with justifications. If the O’Hare flight gets you in at 10:15AM and the Midway flight gets you in at 10:20AM, you might need to ensure that you indicate your destination is significantly closer to Midway or that the airline you select as preferred only flies from Midway. That way, the computer has to pass through several criteria before landing on your preferred option.
Remember, if you can think like the computer making the selection, you can beat them at their own game!
Steps
Do your research into airline travel schedules
Identify
I
Identify
Identify your best options
Put restrictions in your travel system that force the computer to select your flights
Think
Think like the system and you will benefit!
Tips and Tactics
Casually ask questions of the travel policy
Make good friends with the travel coordinator (they can bend the rules for you)
Be creative in your reasons why certain flights work and others don't!
Links to Resources
www.travelocity.com
www.orbitz.com
