Friday, April 1, 2011
Business Class Is Cheaper Than Economy: Whole-Of-Journey Travel Risk Management
The majority of travel departments/managers are only empowered, authorized or capable of looking at travel management from a cost perspective exclusively. However, to truly ensure that the process of travel is efficient, profitable and safe; a much wider focus is required-predominantly in the areas of cost, productivity and safety. When such a wider and more comprehensive perspective is engaged, most organizations will discover that business class flights are in reality much cheaper than economy class for the majority of their executives and traveling talent.
Consider a short-haul flight of under four hours. For an executive this will typically translate to an eight-hour working day. If traveling in economy class they will typically need to be at the airport nearly 2 hours before departure. Even with privileged frequent-flier status they will need to be checked in much earlier than their business class counterparts. Without such privileges, the time required maybe even longer as check-in queues and airline efficiency lengthen and decline respectively.
The immigration processing will potentially be lengthened also as many airlines now have preferential immigration processing of business travelers. The traveller in economy will now be left to fend for themselves in the public seating/WiFi/meals environment of economy class travel. Boarding time will be lengthened and carry-on luggage will be reduced which again will have added to the overall pre-departure time. Regardless of the physical size of the traveller, their work laptop, the airline or the seating space; very few people get anything close to productive work conducted whilst in economy.
Not to mention, when corners have been cut, everyone within proximity of a business laptop user can often see the entire content and context of business presentations, e-mails, discussions and intellectual property. The arrival stage will also entail longer immigration processing times, time lost awaiting baggage and jostling within the bulk of the flights travelers. If after all this, on a short-haul flight you expect the traveller to bring their A game or deliver pivotal business results, you should prepare yourself for disappointment now.
Conversely, a journey that has been considered in a whole of risk manner will play out significantly different. First, the traveller will have the time and flight best suited to the work productivity objectives and reduced commute, check-in and processing times. Utilization of the business lounge will ensure productivity and access to information and systems prior before departure. Overall fatigue and affect on the individual will also be reduced. Whilst not entirely risk free, the threat to personal belongings, company information or other valuables will also be reduced. Productivity (best calculated by adding the per hour cost to the company for the executive and the per hour revenue potential of the trip or executive) will also be enhanced by a compact yet usable mobile workspace.
Even if the individual is not conducting work on a computer platform, the demands to the individual are also diminished. It is also almost ensured that the executive will hit the ground running and clear the aircraft, immigrations and baggage claim much faster, leaving only the commute from the airport to the place of business. This streamlining and efficiency is also replicable for multiple travelers or trips.
When analyzing all of these factors (even in a developed country) the hundreds or even thousands of dollars between economy class and business class travel is often much cheaper than the thousands or tens of thousands of dollars of business productivity, time and dollars at risk. However, the functional heads responsible for cost, productivity and safety are all typically measured and evaluated on cost containment rather than profitability or maximized earnings of their senior executives. All of these elements are significantly amplified in developed or developing countries. When the entire journey is constructed along whole-of-journey travel risk management lines thousands or even millions of dollars in opportune business can be preserved while appropriate expenditure managed. Reduction or elimination of disruption and wastage can be easily achieved. When it comes to whole-of-journey travel risk management most companies are penny wise and pound foolish.
There is nothing more comical and economically tragic than a senior executive or CEO traveling on a budget airline. While sitting in cheap seats being nonproductive and paying five dollars for peanuts or drinks they are losing thousands of dollars or even millions in productivity or earnings for the sake of a few bucks. In the wake of the financial crisis, some very savvy financial institutions openly conveyed that they dare not reduce the privilege, risk or status of their major wealth generation executives for fear of losing them to more competitive or sophisticated banks or financial institutions. Why should this be any different in the face of many other threats to talent and revenue?
The empirical data and evidence of enhanced productivity and efficient travel risk management exists at present in every company. The only limitation is that few are rewarded or supported in harvesting, processing and analysis of such data. If companies and their respective leadership took the time to stop and analyze such processes or even historical culture within the organization, they would find that simple and efficient adaptation of such processes like the use of business class travel versus economy class travel could potentially unlock thousands of hours of productivity and greater business competitiveness.
This is certainly the case in developed markets and significantly more acute in developing markets where there is an accumulation of much greater threat, costs, threat disruptions and safety issues.
The question then is not "Is business class is cheaper than economy?" but more a case of "Can you accurately prove that it's not?"
Monday, February 28, 2011
Business Class Travel Vs Economy - Is it Worth the Extra Money?
Very often clients ask us: What is the difference between economy and business class? Is it worth the price difference? In this article we will try to explain the (big) differences between traveling in coach and business class and describe the different amenities on different airlines.
No matter which airline, the basic differences are the same. In business class a passenger will enjoy a wider seat, a bigger seat pitch (leg room), electric seat controls and a bigger recline than a coach seat. These will vary between airlines and even between aircraft types of the same airline. For example, while Philippine airlines offers a seat recline of only sixty degrees, British Airway offers a flat bed seat.
Descriptions of business class seats can be confusing. A lie flat seat is not a flat bed for example. As a rule, a lie flat seat is a seat that can become flat but is on an angle. Among the Airlines that offer this kind of seat are: Eva air, Malaysian airlines, Lufthansa, and Swiss. A flat bed is as the name suggests a seat that becomes flat and horizontal. Airlines that offer this type of seat are British Airways, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, and Air New Zealand among others. Some websites offer descriptions of the seats available on the different aircraft types by airline name.
The seating arrangement in the business class cabin is also different among airlines. On a British Airways business class cabin (also called Club world) the seating is arranged Head-to-toe, while Air Canada Air New Zealand and Cathay Pacific have a "herringbone" arrangement. The layout is such that each seat has direct aisle access. This can be an advantage for single travelers but an inconvenience to couples traveling together as there are no two adjacent seats. Seating maps are usually available on the airlines website. Free Advance seating is usually available.
Beyond the actual seat in business class, a passenger will enjoy a variety of extra services and amenities. The staff to passenger ratio is increased. Meals will be served on China with silverware accompanied by glassware. A larger variety of cocktails and drinks are served and usually a snack menu will be offered. Also available: larger personal TV screens with more viewing options, Laptop Power Ports and Amenity kits including socks, eye masks and toiletries. The washrooms might also be equipped with upscale toiletries.
For some passengers an important advantage in purchasing business class tickets is the priority in boarding and luggage. The luggage will be processed faster a fact that can be very important for business people in a hurry. The access to business class lounges is also a nice perk. The lounges usually offer free drinks, snacks and internet access. Some airlines serve full meals. An Arrival lounge might also be available permitting business travelers to refresh themselves before meetings. These lounges very often will offer a pressing service and showers.
A business class airline ticket will cost at least double than an economy class one. Is it worth the money? It all depends on the flight length, your personal budget and physical condition. If you can afford it or if even better, the ticket will be reimbursed by another company you will not regret it. Your flight will be comfortable and maybe even enjoyable. Bon Voyage!
Sivan Rehan, Travel consultant, Imperial American Express Travel, Montreal Canada http://www.imptrav.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sivan_Rehan |
Friday, February 25, 2011
Top 8 most economical cars
Modern cars have never been more economical to run. The best new green cars continue to set mpg records, with the most fuel efficient returning more than 80 miles per gallon.
And with fuel prices in 2011 continuing to rise fast, it is now more important than ever before to own a fuel-efficient car.
The most economical cars also put out the lowest levels of CO2 emissions - meaning they are green cars in every sense of the word.
As an added bonus, all these cars get free road tax - and they can even now travel into the London Congestion Charge zone for free, too!
So which ARE the most economical cars in Britain? MSN Cars is committed to bringing you details of the cars with the best fuel economy on sale in the UK.
1. Smart Fortwo cdi - 86g/km
Smart
The most economical new car on sale in Britain is the Smart ForTwo cdi diesel. It returns an incredible 85.6mpg!
It is not the fastest or most refined car on sale, but there is no questioning its fuel efficiency. Pity it seats only two.
New Fortwo cdis cost from £9,825.
2= Toyota Auris Hybrid T4 - 89g/km
Toyota
The newest Toyota Hybrid is the British-built Auris HSD. This uses the same petrol-electric running gear as the Prius, and returns an amazing 74.3mpg average fuel economy.
This is better than the Toyota Prius, despite the same CO2 figure. Auris fuel economy is better in town, whereas the more aerodynamic Prius wins on a long run: the weighting of economy stats mean the Auris gets the 'official' nod. Which would be best for you?
New Auris Hybrids cost from £19,545.
2= Toyota Prius T3 - 89g/km
Toyota
Toyota sells another hybrid family car alongside the Auris HSD - the world famous Toyota Prius.
The T3 is the base variant, whose smaller (and lower-drag) 15-inch alloy wheels help the petrol-electric hybrid to 72.4mpg, and CO2 emissions of just 89g/km. It also does 76mpg on a run, beating its Auris Hybrid sibling.
New Priuses cost from £20,695.
2= Skoda Fabia Greenline II - 89g/km
Skoda
VW Group sells three cars with the efficient 1.2-litre TDI diesel engine - and it is the super-practical Skoda Fabia Greenline II that is the most fuel efficient.
It emits just 89g/km CO2 and returns a heady 83.1mpg. Here at MSN Cars, we would trade the 2.5mpg it gives to the Smart in return for its five-seat practicality.
New Fabia Greenlines cost from £13,685.
3. Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion - 91g/km
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Bluemotion range is one of the most well-known fuel saving new car line-ups on sale in the UK.
The latest Polo Bluemotion is the most economical of the lot. It averages 80.7mpg and emits just 91g/km CO2.
New Polo Bluemotions cost from £14,860.
4. SEAT Ibiza E Ecomotive - 92g/km
SEAT
The sporting Spanish VW Group brand, SEAT, matches the Polo Bluemotion for fuel economy with the SEAT Ibiza E Ecomotive.
It is the smallest of differences that leads to an extra 1g/km CO2, but to all intents, the two are just as economical - making the cheaper-to-buy SEAT the preferred choice?
New Ibiza Ecomotives cost from £13,900.
5. Lexus CT 200h SE-I - 94g/km
Lexus
The latest hybrid car to go on sale in the UK, the Lexus CT 200h uses technology derived from the world-famous Toyota Prius.
It is very economical, averaging 69mpg, and blends this with low CO2 emissions and a premium image. But is the fuel-efficient new Lexus a genuine Audi A3 alternative?
New Lexus CT 200h SE-Is cost from £23,485.
6= Fiat 500 TwinAir 85 - 95g/km
Fiat
Fiat has fitted a revolutionary two-cylinder petrol engine to the funky 500, which boasts great fuel economy - it can average nearly 69mpg.
The powerful motor still produces 85hp though, thanks to the addition of a turbocharger. This doesn't impact on CO2 emissions: they are super-low at just 95g/km.
New Fiat 500 TwinAirs cost from £10,865.
6= Fiat Punto Evo 1.3 MultiJet 85 Eco - 95g/km
Fiat
Fiat has revised the Punto Evo again, to make it even more fuel efficient. The latest version can average over 78mpg.
Ongoing tweaks to the 1.3-litre MultiJet diesel engine have also cut CO2 emissions to just 95g/km. A bargain-priced, practical fuel-saver.
New Punto Evo Multijets cost from £12,195.
7= Ford Fiesta Econetic - 98g/km
Ford
The Ford Fiesta Econetic gives you exceptional 76.3mpg diesel fuel economy AND exceptional driving entertainment behind the wheel.
It is a superb all-rounder with the added benefit of free road tax, thanks to CO2 emissions of just 98g/km.
New Fiesta Econetics cost from £13,895.
7= Vauxhall Corsa 1.3 CDTi 95 - 98g/km
Vauxhall
Vauxhall is never one to be outdone by arch-rival Ford. The facelifted Corsa is now available in 1.3 CDTi 95 ecoflex guise, which emits just 98g/km CO2.
It also matches the Ford Fiesta Econetic's fuel economy, with a great average of 76.3mpg. Stop-start also helps fuel economy in town, too.
New Vauxhall Corsa CDTis cost from £13,310.
8= Toyota IQ 1.0 - 99g/km
Toyota
The fuel-efficient micro car alternative to a Smart that CAN seat more than two people is the Toyota IQ. With sub-100g/km CO2 emissions, it really does justify its name.
The Toyota is going to get even more attention soon, as Aston launches its IQ-derived Cygnet. Will Aston, in time, launch a similarly green version using the same 1.0-litre petrol engine as this?
New Toyota iQs cost from £10,445.
8= Peugeot 207 Economique - 99g/km
Peugeot
Peugeot's 207 range is getting on a bit now, but it is still able to challenge its rivals in terms of fuel efficiency.
In 1.6 HDi Economique guise, it is another car to crack the magic 74mpg benchmark, and again emits just 99g/km CO2.
New Peugeot 207 Economiques cost from £13,045.
8= Audi A3 1.6 TDI 105 - 99g/km
Audi
The Audi A3 is an established premium hatchback - but this does not mean it's a gas-guzzler. In 1.6-litre TDI guise, it is capable of 74.3mpg.
CO2 emissions of under 100g/km also prove that you can go upmarket without affecting your green credentials.
New Audi A3 TDIs cost from £18,700.
8= Citroën DS3 Dstyle - 99g/km
Citroën
The radical Citroën DS3 is the French brand's answer to the MINI. It is similarly green though, with average economy of 74.3mpg.
CO2 emissions are low and they're cleaned up further by a standard particulate filter.
New DS3 Dstyles cost from £14,100.
8= Citroën C3 Airdream+ - 99g/km
Citroën
If the Citroën DS3 is not practical enough for you, Citroën also offers the C3 supermini in similarly economical Airdream+ guise.
This has the same super-efficient 1.6-litre HDi engine, meaning it also has CO2 emissions that dip below the 100g/km barrier.
New C3 Airdreams cost from £15,090.
8= Ford Focus Econetic - 99g/km
Ford
The outgoing Ford Focus is still available at dealers if you search hard enough - and it's worth hunting for a great deal on the Econetic version.
The great-handling Ford emits 99g/km and matches the VW Golf Bluemotion for fuel economy, averaging 74.3mpg.
The current Focus range starts from £15,871.
8= Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion - 99g/km
Volkswagen
The Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion is a premium-finish family hatchback with supermini-like fuel economy. 74.3mpg from such a refined car is staggering.
MSN Cars is running a VW Golf Bluemotion as a long-term test car - and we are finding the economy lives up to the great official claims in practice, too. Even more impressive!
New Golf Bluemotions cost from £18,665.
8= Volvo C30 DRIVe - 99g/km
Volvo
The stylish Volvo C30 DRIVe was one of the first 'super-eco' cars on sale. Volvo has just refreshed the diesel engine for 2011 - it now produces 115hp.
It's still very economical, though. 74.3mpg is great and stop-start cuts CO2 emissions to 99g/km. Not big enough for you, though? Read on...
New C30 DRIVes cost from £18,905.
8= Volvo S40 DRIVe - 99g/km
Volvo
Yes, the Volvo C30's 4-door sibling, the Volvo S40, is also available in DRIVe guise.
Despite its extra space and five-seat capacity, it retains the same amazing 74.3mpg economy figure...
New S40 DRIVes cost from £21,045.
8= Volvo V50 DRIVe - 99g/km
Volvo
Or maybe you need the extra boot space of an estate? Even here, Volvo has a 74mpg answer, with the Volvo V50 estate.
Even with its 99g/km CO2 figure, it still manages to boast an ample 1,307-litre boot with the seats folded.
New V50 DRIVes cost from £22,425.
8= SEAT Leon E Ecomotive - 99g/km
SEAT
The SEAT Leon E Ecomotive is a cheaper alternative to the Volkswagen Golf Bluemotion. It isn't as luxuriously finished but it looks sportier and has sharper handling.
It still has the same 74.3mpg economy figure though - and the 1.6-litre TDI engine still produces 99g/km CO2.
New Leon Ecomotives cost from £17,355.
8= MINI Hatch One D - 99g/km
MINI
The original UK economy car has kept pace with the times. The latest One D variant uses all the latest BMW engine technology to emit less than 100g/km CO2.
Standard stop-start also means the 74.3mpg average economy won't be affected too much by the city centre traffic it thrives in, either.
New MINI One Ds cost from £14,175.
source :
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)