Companies can save hundreds of pounds on each air fare by booking in advance, a new study by BTI UK shows.
The survey showed that the best savings were made by booking three to four weeks ahead. But even reservations made a week before departure saved “significant” money.
Fares on two key routes, London to Paris and London to Glasgow were monitored in August and September for the study.
On the Heathrow-Charles De Gaulle route, a secure fare was £105 when booked four weeks ahead. The day before departure this had more than tripled to £353, a rise of £248.
But the survey also noted that the price rose significantly on each of the seven days before take-off.
On the Heathrow-Glasgow route, a return fare booked four weeks in advance was £87, booked three weeks in advance it was £270 and booked the day before travel it was £343.
But the survey also found that while business class fares across the UK and Europe were rising, those in economy were falling.
Average business class fares in the UK rose by 6.5% to £266 while those on the continent went up by 6.4% to £585.
In the UK, average economy fares were down by 6.7% to £195 and on the continent down by 3% to £296.
Spencer Smith, director of consulting at BTI UK, said: “Evaluating the best booking approach for companies requires many complex calculations and considerations.
“For some organisations booking several restricted tickets may still be cheaper than paying the full price fare, whilst others may find that the potential cost involved in purchasing another ticket could negate any possible savings.”
He also advised companies to take into account additional travel costs when calculating the total price of a trip.
These included travel to and from the airport at each end of the journey, time spent on these journeys, parking fees and car hire.