The National Business Travelers Association, or NBTA, reports that business travel has dropped 10% since 2008 and is being scrutinized by journalists and by politicians as an lavish expense. Actually, it's easier to persuade your client when you talk to them in person, and business travel creates jobs . What's needed is an effort to streamline the lavish spending rather than attempt  to eliminate business trips entirely.

So if you travel by air, here are a few ways to find a more economical flight:

1. Be vague  when you ask for dates to fly. If you’re willing to catch a red eye or even a flight during the off-season, you’ll end up saving lots of money.
2. subscribe online to receive information on bargain flights and alerts by email from your preferred airline or from a number of airlines.
3. Use a frequent flier mile program.
4. Double check for any obscure fees before deciding on an airline .
5. Think about flying stand-by, especially if you’re flying during the offseason.
6. Fly coach or economy class.
7. Use credit cards with rewards that are related to travel .
8. Ask about senior or student discounts .  Some flights are reserved solely for students and youth.
9. fend off booking fees by checking the airline’s website directly .
10. Use the same airline in both directions .
11. Check out airports other than your destination's main airport.
12. research the option of renting a car through your airline—many offer discounts on packages.
13. use smaller discount airlines.
14. Accumulate knowledge. Ask about airline restrictions so that you'll know how to get a cheaper ticket from your favorite airline.
15. Check out a consolidator's website like lowestfare.com, cheapseats.com, or cheaptickets.com.
16. Book in advance . Generally, the earlier you book the better your deal will be.
17. Pay for your bag online when you confirm your flight the night before and pay less.

Enduring a little discomfort, such as flying red eye, flying stand by, or flying with one or more stops can lead to big savings for you or your company. Plan in advance by booking early, or use frequent flier miles. In the end, a little thrift improves the public's perception of business travel altogether. And in a climate wherever people are hesitant to invest, this could really make your company stand out from the crowd.

Author: Lisa Brown is a Sales and Marketing Associate for Almost Home USA, a corporate housing company, whose goal is to provide such excellent experiences that clients feel almost home.