Travel Management

How to Get Top-Notch Customer Service for Your Traveling Employees

Discover how top-tier customer service in travel management can enhance employee productivity, reduce costs, and support sustainability goals, and what to look out for to get the service you deserve.

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When it comes to business travel, your employees deserve more than just a booking system - they need a trusted partner that’s got their back every step of the way. 

Travel management systems are essential for organizing trips, but what really sets them apart is the level of customer support they provide. Imagine having personalized, real-time assistance from someone who speaks your language and knows exactly what you need, right when you need it. That’s the kind of service that makes all the difference, ensuring your team stays productive and stress-free on the road.

We compiled a list of the most essential questions to ask, to make sure your travel support needs are covered.

 

Key questions to ask about customer service

  • How many customer support hubs does the travel management company have worldwide? Having multiple customer support hubs globally ensures that your employees can receive assistance no matter where they are. Having global support also means there are local teams with the expertise to address specific regional challenges and provide relevant advice.

  • What languages are covered? Multi-language support is crucial in ensuring that your employees can communicate clearly and effectively, especially in high-stress situations. When customer service is available in the traveler’s native language, it reduces misunderstandings and ensures they receive the best possible assistance.

  • Is there an out-of-hours service? Travel doesn’t always happen during business hours, so it’s essential that your travel management company offers 24/7 support. This ensures that help is available whenever your employees need it, whether it’s late at night, during weekends, or across different time zones.

  • Is customer support outsourced to call centers? Outsourced call centers often lack the personalized touch and deep understanding of your travelers’ needs. When support is handled in-house, you’re more likely to get direct access to human agents who are familiar with your company and can offer personalized assistance. This also means that the service quality remains consistent and tailored to your specific requirements. 

     

Are you getting the travel support you need?

Explore our next-level personalized travel support services here.

 

Beyond the Basics: Key Signs of Exceptional Customer Service for Business Travelers

Great customer service should offer more than just the basics. Below, we listed some of the green flags to look out for, if you are looking for exceptional service. These extra touches can make a big difference in your employees’ travel experience, helping everything go smoothly before, during, and after their trips. 

 
  • Out-of-Hours Support for Flight Disruptions and Booking Changes
    Travel issues don’t follow a 9-to-5 schedule. That’s why having out-of-hours support for flight disruptions and booking changes is essential. With 24/7 assistance, your employees can get real-time help for unexpected delays, cancellations, or adjustments, no matter the time zone. This ensures smooth travel even when things don’t go as planned.

  • Emergency Contact Service
    In case of emergencies, immediate access to reliable support is crucial. A dedicated emergency contact service provides your employees with a direct line to help, whether it’s a medical issue, lost documents, or a security concern. This service offers peace of mind, knowing that assistance is just a call away.

  • Help with Complex Bookings
    Even if you're a business travel pro, some situations - like having to book multi-leg trips, handling unforeseen travel issues, or making last-minute changes, might require some extra help. In these cases, having a dedicated help desk is invaluable.

  • Educating travelers and travel bookers
    Booking or changing a trip for the first time in a new system can be a bit intimidating. This is where proper onboarding to travel booking can save you a lot of time and future issues. Finding a TMS that can provide your travelers with step-by-step guidance equips them with the confidence they need to navigate your company’s travel tool with ease. From selecting flights to ensuring policy compliance to cancelling or changing their trip, proactive support helps them get it right from the start.

  • Supporting your travel policy and ESG goals
    Responsible travel is more than just a trend - It's a commitment. Having support agents that know your policies and goals - and can  guide you on booking in line with those goals, will help your employees feel more confident when booking, and help your company reduce travel emissions.
 

 

Self-Service Changes and Cancellations

We know that self-service isn't typically considered part of "customer service, but hear us out. Sometimes the best customer service you can give travelers and travel managers is creating a platform that is easy to navigate without needing an expert on the phone - especially when you're on the go or in a time crunch. 

Dealing with travel disruptions like flight delays or cancellations can make business travelers feel helpless. Waiting on the phone or in airport lines for help only adds to the frustration, especially when your Travel Management Company (TMC) is supposed to streamline the process.

According to a recent report from the Global Business Travel Association, over two-thirds (69%) of travel managers have observed an increase in wait times for agent support since 2020, with one-third reporting significantly longer delays. 

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to provide business travelers with the tools and resources to make self-service changes and cancellations quickly and easily.

How we do it:
With Goodwings' modern Travel-as-a-Service Platform, travelers have all the tools they need to easily manage their trips. Through our mobile app and Online Booking Tool, you can independently adjust or cancel any part of your itinerary. This way, you can reduce stress and stay in control no matter where you are.

When we onboard your team on our platform, we'll show you everything you need to know - from booking flights, hotels and trains to booking cars, seeing your full itinerary, making changes, and booking for other travelers. Learning to navigate the platform and make online amendments will not only give you and your travelers more freedom before and during trips, but can save you some $$$ by avoiding offline fees. 

 

heart icon-2   Are You Getting the Travel Support You Need?

Ensuring that your employees are supported at every stage of their journey is essential for their well-being and your business’s success. By asking the right questions and knowing what to look for in a travel management system, you can provide your team with the level of support they truly need.

Explore our next-level personalized travel support services here.


 

 

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