Work Travel....questioning policies

[Anonymous]

My company has two policies: 1) travel should be done on your own time, when possible, and 2) you should take the cheapest option.

Practically, that has come to a head. If I have a monday meeting in California, I do not mind flying out sunday evening. But, I do mind taking up all day -- of my time -- to save the company $150. They insisted I fly to LA with to multi-hour layovers. I am refusing.

[Anonymous]

What about considering how much time per hour your time costs?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What about considering how much time per hour your time costs?

They make me travel on my own time. So they don't care. My customer pays about 280/hr for me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My company has two policies: 1) travel should be done on your own time, when possible, and 2) you should take the cheapest option.

Practically, that has come to a head. If I have a monday meeting in California, I do not mind flying out sunday evening. But, I do mind taking up all day -- of my time -- to save the company $150. They insisted I fly to LA with to multi-hour layovers. I am refusing.

Let us know how that works out.

[Anonymous]

Start looking for other opportunities. My company does prefer that travel happen on our own time when possible, and that we look for the least expensive option but within reason. No one would ever be expected to waste hours to save $150.

[Anonymous]

That’s an absurd policy but do you want to lose your job over $150?

Do it then look for a new job.

[Anonymous]

If they don't book for you, just book the reasonably-priced flights that work for you.

[Anonymous]

They are being unreasonable, and I'd start looking for another job.

[Anonymous]

Traveling on your own time? That is absurd. They are insisting you work for free.

[Anonymous]

what company insists on traveling on your own time?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Traveling on your own time? That is absurd. They are insisting you work for free.

Yeah, that’s crazy.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what company insists on traveling on your own time?

NP -- every company I have ever worked for expected this. They say it is the equivalent to driving to the office -- you don't charge it. However, if you have to go to the office, and then travel during business hours, you can charge travel time. So, yeah, they expect you to work for free. It is BS.

[Anonymous]

Re: the layover .. make nice with the travel agent. I assume you are required to use a certain travel office/agent. This is a relationship to cultivate. Should you have to? No, but life goes better when there are relationships. How are the "options" being reported? Learn more from the agent

[Anonymous]

I think I would have personal commitment on Sunday that I couldn’t reschedule and that would run until about two hours before my preferred flight.

[Anonymous]

OP, I would assume that the policy about the taking the cheapest option is 'within reason' and just do what that is for you. All day to save $150 is not reasonable!