FAQ: Cost comparison for corporate travel management services
The cost of corporate travel management services is often misunderstood. Many businesses focus on transaction fees alone, without considering the wider cost implications of unmanaged travel, poor data visibility or lack of support during disruption.
In the UK market, corporate travel management costs generally fall into three broad categories: technology-led platforms, hybrid managed services, and fully managed TMC models.
Technology-only or light-service models
Some providers offer low per-booking fees by relying heavily on self-service technology and minimal human support. These models can appear cost-effective on paper, particularly for small teams with simple travel patterns. However, they often rely on outsourced or limited support and provide little assistance when trips become complex or disrupted.
Hidden costs in these models frequently show up later, through out-of-policy bookings, unmanaged changes, or increased internal admin for finance and HR teams.
Hybrid managed travel services
Hybrid models combine an online booking platform with access to experienced consultants when needed. Costs typically include modest transaction fees alongside platform access. For many UK businesses, this represents the best balance of cost control, service quality and traveller experience.
Providers like Meon Travel Management operate in this space, offering platforms such as Amadeus Cytric alongside managed support. This allows routine bookings to remain efficient while still providing expert assistance for complex or urgent travel.
Fully managed corporate travel services
At the higher end, fully managed services provide extensive consultant involvement, bespoke reporting, proactive traveller support and detailed account management. While headline fees may be higher, these models are often chosen by organisations with frequent international travel, senior travellers or heightened duty of care requirements.
Comparing cost properly
In order to get the most for your money, a meaningful cost comparison should consider:
Transaction and platform fees
Internal admin time saved
Reduction in out-of-policy spend
Improved traveller productivity
Support during disruption
Many organisations find that a slightly higher per-transaction fee is offset by savings elsewhere, particularly when travel volumes grow or disruption becomes more frequent
