BUSINESS travellers who are members of frequent-flyer programmes often do not get the best deal when they are travelling, according to Carlson Wagonlit Travel.
The business travel agency’s vice-president UK Jim Tweedie said: “Frequent-flyer programmes are seldom in the interest of our corporate clients as they are a potential threat to the effectiveness of their travel policies.
“Clients often have financial agreements with specific airlines based on volumes of business, which could be jeopardised by travellers being lured away by other airlines’ frequent-flyer schemes.”
A survey carried out by Carlson Wagonlit showed 55% of travellers were frequent-flyer members who enjoyed various benefits, but Tweedie said many passengers found these benefits difficult to calculate.
“These schemes are shrouded in confusion,” he said. “Every scheme is different and it can be difficult to calculate just how many points are needed for a free ticket.”