As companies increasingly focus on enhancing employee satisfaction and productivity, corporate travel is undergoing significant changes.

No longer an afterthought, businesses are now prioritising the comfort of their travelling staff.

Rategang Moroke, Operations Manager at Corporate Traveller, emphasises that while long-haul travel is essential for business, cramped economy seating should not hinder the success of high-stakes negotiations.

“Imagine being squeezed into seat 32F on a twelve-hour flight from Johannesburg to London, battling sleep deprivation before a million-dollar deal. This isn’t hardship; it’s corporate malpractice,” she asserts.

To assist companies in developing smarter travel policies, Moroke shares insights on how business travellers can secure premium airline seats without the hefty business-class price tag.

Shifting company policies

Many companies are recognising that the condition of their employees during travel directly impacts their performance upon arrival.

"More companies are upgrading to premium economy or business class on flights over six to eight hours," Moroke states.

These changes are yielding positive results, with some organisations reporting improved morale and enhanced leadership stability among their staff.

Moroke believes the era of treating employees like cargo is ending, especially as global standards demand better seating arrangements on flights lasting over four hours.

South African companies are also beginning to acknowledge this necessity.

Maximising comfort without excessive costs

While adopting enhanced travel policies is a step forward, securing coveted premium seats still requires strategy.

Moroke provides essential tips for consistently obtaining the best seats at a fraction of the typical cost: “My top advice is to book as early as possible. Premium seat availability vanishes quickly, and you might end up next to someone who paid significantly less simply because they booked sooner.”

Many travellers delay seat selection until check-in, hoping for complimentary upgrades. This common mistake often results in limited choices.

“Pay the nominal fee upfront rather than risk an uncomfortable middle seat,” Moroke emphasises.

Additionally, passengers should avoid airlines that offer costly upgrades for extra legroom, which may not significantly enhance the overall experience.

Instead, upgrading to premium economy, even at a slightly higher cost, offers substantially better seat quality and service.

Strategies for economy travellers

For those opting for economy on long routes, seat positioning is crucial.

“The back few rows are considered premium real estate, as they tend to fill last, increasing the chance of adjacent empty seats,” says Moroke.

Choosing seats over the wings can also minimise turbulence for a more comfortable ride.

If upgrading to a premium cabin isn’t feasible, Moroke recommends consulting your travel management company to see if you can purchase or block the seat next to you. Although typically available only for higher-fare classes, this option is worth exploring.

“The costs can vary, but it’s often more affordable than a full upgrade while still providing more room,” she explains. Just be aware that blocked seats may be unblocked in an oversell situation.

Leverage loyalty programmes

Your chances of securing premium seats can further improve through loyalty programmes or last-minute upgrade auctions.

“Sign up for an airline’s loyalty scheme immediately upon booking if you haven’t flown with them before. Loyalty members are first in line for complimentary upgrades,” Moroke advises.

Many airlines also offer premium seats through last-minute online auctions just before departure, creating opportunities for budget-savvy travellers to snag upgrades at astonishing discounts.

Avoid the overbooking conundrum

With recent discussions surrounding flight overbooking, Moroke stresses that those without advance seat assignments - either skipping fees or assuming they would be sorted at check-in - are often the first to be bumped.

To avoid this, secure your seat assignment through your travel management company.

Other valuable tips from Moroke include:

Check pricing for all available fare classes; don’t just compare base economy and premium economy.

Calculate the total cost difference between an economy ticket plus extras (like legroom) and the next tier in premium economy.

Investigate whether premium economy upgrade costs vary based on how far in advance you book.

Utilise your travel management company to easily compare pricing across upgraded options versus remaining in basic economy.

In conclusion, Moroke highlights that as corporate travel evolves, following these practical strategies can significantly enhance your flying experience, transforming that exhausting middle seat into a luxurious journey.

She notes that both employees and companies can benefit from these seasoned insights, ensuring top-tier performance and morale during take-off and after landing.