Companies wedded to paying the lowest fare often overlook value of lounge access or express check-ins for travellers constantly on call.
New research by the UK and Ireland Institute of Travel Management (ITM) has found that fewer than 7% of UK companies buy lounge access for employees not travelling business class.
Paul Tilstone, executive director of ITM, said: "There are some striking contradictions between what companies say and what they do.
"Despite the importance placed in staying in touch, fewer than a third of organisations actually give their people any advice on connectivity when travelling.
“Airport lounge access is another case in point. Companies are missing out on how lounges can benefit employee productivity.
"The cost of lounge access is modest, and travellers can work in peace, however fewer than 7% of British companies purchase lounge access for their travellers.
"If travellers know that they have access to a place where they can work, regardless of who they fly with, or in what class, they are less likely to be driven by collecting benefits from frequent flyer schemes.
"This will increase compliance, which will drive down costs."
Colin Goldney, managing director of Argate Consulting, ITM's research partner, said: "The productivity value of lounges, limo drives, express check-ins and the ability to shield the contents on your laptop screen from your neighbour is often overlooked in procurement policies that demand the lowest logical fare."
New bidder for Iberia
A new consortium led by Gala Capital has approached Iberia regarding a take over.
It has indicated a price of 3.60-3.90 a share.
But the Spanish carrier, while confirming the approach, said there had been no bid.
Another consortium led by the US private equity group TPG and BA, has already made an offer of 3.60 a share and carried out due diligence on the airline.
This consortium has indicated it will make a firm bid next month.
* see BTE's recruitment site www.businesstraveljobs.com