Guide to Saving Money on Your Business Travel

Tap into airline perks

First, pledge your loyalty to just a few airlines that fly the most extensive routes AND go where YOU need to go. Then tap their perks programs specially designed for small businesses. Snag free tickets, upgrades, airline club memberships and more. You'll earn frequent flyer miles on qualifying flights in addition to business bonus points.

I recommend: Most airlines offer special benefits to business travelers. United Airlines does it through its “PerksPlus” program. Look for Northwest’s BizPerks, Delta’s SkyBonus, American’s Business ExtrAA. The discount carriers do it too: check out AirTran’s a2B, Frontier’s Business Travel Program (BTP) and JetBlue’s TrueBlue frequent flyer program.

Choose hotel partners and then stick with them

Loyalty is the key to maximizing benefits from hotel stays. If your annual room nights warrant it, negotiate a chain-wide contract with a national sales account manager. Otherwise, cut your deals locally where you stay most frequently.

I recommend: Look for volume-driven programs at Best Western's Best Business Worldwide, Intercontinental Hotels Group Priority Club Rewards, (Holiday Inn, Crowne Plaza, Staybridge Suites among others) and the Marriott chain's Marriott Rewards program

Maximize benefits from your rental car programs

Choose one or two car rental companies that serve more of your locations and offer special programs for small business.

I recommend: Check out Budget Rental Car's Budget Business Program , the Hertz Business Account Program, the Avis Corporate Awards Program, Enterprise's Corporate Class Business Rental Program and Advantage Rent a Car's Easy Corporate.

Pick credit cards that offer the most

You've pledged your loyalty to a few airlines, hotels and rental car companies. Now you need a credit card that gives you a competitive interest rate, miles and points, and is widely accepted.

I recommend: Check out these websites for card programs offered by airlines (apply if you want to rack up miles on a single carrier) or cards offering points that can be redeemed on multiple carriers (this will give you more flexibility and options), like the Chase Travel Plus Platinum Visa Card and the Capital One No-Hassle Card for Small Business.