Higher Air Line Prices Mean Companies Should Find Cool, New Incentives

Now that the airline industry charges more for travel--jacking up costs for flights themselves and tacking on expenses for once free amenities (two dollars for a cup of orange juice anyone?)--businesses focused on travel as part of their incentive programs need to think outside the box. Arguably, there is no incentive more alluring than vacationing in a far-off location; but astute companies who decide to forgo the steep cost of travel this year should make up for it by adding stellar, new offerings to its pantry of goodies.

Employees often enjoy the thought of a vacation since it would mean spending a wonderful time with family or that special somebody. How about providing an comparable experience and allow an exceptional employee to devise a romantic weekend in a local city. For those on the East Coast, a trip to the Big Apple may not provide the same sense of “getting away,” but it’s hard to go wrong when dining at Tavern on the Green, attending a Broadway musical, staying in a nice hotel, etc.

Of course, the itinerary all comes down to the preferences of the employee in question. If he’s a sports fan and checks off going to a Yankee game instead of a horse-drawn carriage ride around Central Park for two, well, that’s between him and the missis.    

Another way companies can make up for jettisoning airline packages is by offering trips that involve travel by train. For many of us, the journey would certainly be less stressful: no security detail, long lines or spending a good chunk of time 50,000 feet above ground (Read one of our editor's experiences in a previous blog post when he chose to travel by other means than air). And for the hard worker seeking rest and relaxation, there’s no jetlag to deal with. Sure, San Francisco or Washington D.C. may not possess the magic of Spain or Paris, but you can still have a great time in local domestic locations. Being a New Jersey resident myself, I wouldn’t object if someone presented me the chance to go down to Maryland, hang out on the beach, eat seafood and play mini-golf.

And when you get down to it, besides the obvious cost-issue, there’s something that just doesn’t feel right about paying extra, for say, checking your bag or reserving a window seat. Even if these additional expenses may not raise the grand total of airline travel all that much, in your gut, you still know that’s its total nonsense. And that’s a reason in itself for companies to come up with sweat, new incentives.   

Comments

[john gallagher]

It is amazing how many people never visit the main attractions in their own city. Sometimes a great domestic (backyard) destination is the best value.

[john gallagher]

It is amazing how many people never visit the main attractions in their own city. Sometimes a great domestic (backyard) destination is the best value.

[jon tannenbaum]

I couldn't agree with you more. Living in NYC, there's something new to check out everyday.