How small and mid-sized businesses can maximize business travel rewards

For small and mid-sized enterprises (SME), business travel rewards can deliver meaningful value when managed thoughtfully. While airline loyalty programs are often the most visible part of rewards, the ecosystem also includes hotel loyalty programs, credit cards, and partner networks.

Business travel rewards refer to points, credits, and tier benefits earned through airline, hotel, and partner programs that can be used to reduce travel costs or improve the traveler experience.

For SMEs, the opportunity lies in earning rewards consistently through a managed travel program, while redeeming those rewards strategically when the time is right.

How business travel rewards work for SMEs

Business travel rewards are typically earned through flight spend, accommodation stays, and approved business expense activity. Many airline and hotel programs may base earning on spend rather than distance, making consistency and visibility especially important for smaller travel programs.

For SMEs, rewards value can be influenced by:

• consolidating bookings through approved booking channels
• aligning travel behavior with preferred suppliers
• understanding how rewards are redeemed, not just earned.

Rather than chasing points across multiple programs, SMEs may see better results by keeping their travel program simple, visible, and policy aligned.

Airline loyalty programs: earning rewards through managed travel

Airline loyalty programs remain an important rewards lever for SMEs, particularly for businesses with regular domestic or regional travel.

When flights are booked through a travel management company, SMEs benefit from:

• centralized visibility of travel spend
• consistent booking behavior aligned with policy
• accurate tracking of eligible flights for reward earning.

While reward redemptions are typically made directly with airlines, earning rewards through managed bookings helps ensure travel remains compliant, visible, and supported.

Hotel loyalty programs can add consistent value

Hotel loyalty programs are often overlooked by SMEs, but they can deliver reliable rewards over time, especially for repeat stays.

Benefits may include:

• complimentary upgrades
• free nights or discounted stays
• greater flexibility for frequent travelers
• complimentary access to executive lounges where available

By booking accommodation through a managed travel program, SMEs can balance loyalty benefits with negotiated rates, duty of care, and reporting visibility.

Credit cards and partner rewards for SMEs

Many SMEs also earn travel rewards through approved business credit cards and partner programs. These can complement flight and hotel rewards when used in line with company policy.

The key is alignment. Rewards strategies should support, not complicate, the travel program. Clear guidelines help SMEs avoid fragmented bookings or unmanaged spend while still benefiting from partner rewards.

Earning rewards through a TMC, redeeming rewards with suppliers

For SMEs, it is important to understand the distinction between earning and redeeming rewards.

• Earning rewards is best supported through a travel management company, where bookings are centralized, policy aligned, and visible.
• Redeeming rewards, such as using points for flights or upgrades, is typically done directly with airlines or hotels when companies or travelers choose to apply their rewards.

This approach allows SMEs to maintain control, visibility, and duty of care, while still enjoying the flexibility of loyalty programs.

Using rewards to support traveler well-being and productivity

For many SMEs, the most valuable use of rewards may not be free flights but improving the travel experience.

Strategic uses may include:

• upgrades on longer flights
• lounge access during busy itineraries
• hotel upgrades that support rest and recovery.

Using rewards in this way can help travelers arrive more rested, focused, and ready to perform.

Why managed travel matters for SMEs

A travel management company helps SMEs earn rewards more effectively by supporting consistent booking behavior, supplier alignment, and program visibility.

Even when rewards are redeemed directly with suppliers, managed travel ensures businesses maintain:

• oversight of travel activity
• policy compliance
• duty of care
• accurate reporting

For SMEs, this balance between flexibility and control is key to maximizing the value of business travel rewards.