Open booking lets employees arrange travel outside approved channels while still capturing data for corporate travel tracking and compliance.
Open booking is a practice where travelers use any booking method—such as airline, hotel, or online travel sites—rather than the company’s preferred booking tools or travel management company. The key is that booking data is still captured, usually via expense reports, email forwarding, or integration tools, so travel managers maintain visibility.
Open booking offers flexibility for employees, but it can challenge compliance, negotiated rate usage, and duty-of-care obligations. Effective open booking strategies balance traveler autonomy with data tracking, safety, and cost control in the corporate travel program.