Introduces new services for rental cars, and for hotel-only and two-traveler bookings.
WASHINGTON – Upside, the online business travel company focused on the do-it-yourself business traveler, announced the launch of two new apps for iOS and Android smartphones that, with a single tap of the screen, connects customers to its 24/7 Navigator team of travel experts to help with virtually any issue or questions a business traveler might have.
Upside also announced today additional product choices enabling customers to use Upside as their one-stop shop for their business travel needs. The company launched:
- A new rental car service for U.S. locations,
- A service for travelers who only need a hotel room on a particular trip, and
- A new booking option that enables two people traveling together to make their Upside reservations as part of the same booking.
With the addition of these new services, Upside now offers DIY business travelers a full suite of travel services, including a la carte airline and hotel reservations, and package trips that can include any combination of airfare, hotel and ground transportation. In addition, Upside delivers great low prices and industry-leading customer service over the full duration of a trip.
"Upside is all about delivering 'a better business trip' for the do-it-yourself business traveler. The products announced today complement our 24×7 industry-leading 6-Star Customer Service. Customers will no longer have to choose between quality service or low prices. With Upside, they have both," said Upside's Co-Founder, Chairman and CEO Jay Walker.
Walker continued: "DIY business travelers pay more for their travel than anyone else, yet they typically receive the same customer service as a college student on spring break. With their demanding schedules, business travelers need and deserve a higher level of service. That's why Upside decided to model our concierge-level customer service as a kind of 24/7 'mission control,' with Upside Navigators proactively watching out for travelers and stepping in to help every step of the business trip. With Upside, there's no more dialing a phone number to enter an hour-long queue, or waiting forever for an email reply. Tap the button or tile on a computer or smartphone and, within seconds, a Navigator replies to help. If you prefer a phone call or email exchange, no problem. Our Navigators are ready to help with anything, whether it's fixing a travel snafu, researching transportation options, checking flight status, or recommending things to do with clients that evening. Our mission is to ensure that customers have a better business trip, from start to finish."
Mr. Walker continued, "Rental cars are frequently required on business trips, and Upside is pleased to make rentals available. We also heard from travelers who only require a hotel room for a particular trip, and now that option is available as well. And to answer one of our biggest customer requests, Upside now makes it possible to book a business trip for two travelers as part of the same booking. These new services further align the needs of our customers with Upside's commitment to making every business trip better."
Upside's new mobile apps are fast and efficient. They allow business travelers, typically in 5 minutes or less, to shop and purchase air, hotel, and ground transportation for great low prices. The apps are now available free from the App Store and Google Play, or through links on the Upside website.
Upside's 6-Star Customer Service is generating high marks from business travelers. 82.6% of Upside customers give Upside a Net Promoter Score of 9 or 10 (a Net Promoter Score measures how customers would recommend a website to a family member or friend). And 97.2% of customers give Upside a satisfaction score of 4 or 5 stars out of 5.
With the service enhancements and additions announced today, Upside now offers a broad suite of services tailored to help DIY business travelers experience a better business trip:
- A la carte airline tickets and hotel rooms, as well as packages that include any combination of airfare, hotel and ground transportation. Business travelers can now book just the services they need for a particular trip. For those who just need an airline ticket, Upside offers economy, business class, refundable and non-refundable flights at great prices. Only need a hotel room? Upside offers that option, too.
- Two-travelers reservations. Traveling with a second person? Upside now lets business travelers book trips for two people, all as part of the same, fast booking.
- Travel Savings. Upside offers great low prices on airfare, hotels, and rental cars. And, when business travelers choose two or more services for a single package price, they will pay less than if they bought the same travel components separately.
- Make Travel Arrangements Fast. Typically, it takes 5 minutes or less to shop and book an Upside airfare & hotel package.
- 24-hour, Instant Access to 6-Star Customer Service. Chat, phone or email. Regardless of the preference, Upside Navigators are on-call 24/7 to help customers. Within seconds of initiating a chat on our mobile app or desktop, Upside Navigators will respond to help with whatever issues come up, or advice they can give to make a business trip better.
- Get Travel Tips and Information. Want to know the top hotels in Kansas City? How to enjoy a layover at JFK? Where to find a quiet location to get some work done in Las Vegas? Upside is chock-full of insightful information and articles for business travelers.
- Earn Gift Cards. When business travelers choose package options that save their employers even more money on a trip, Upside rewards them with gift cards to over 50 retailers, including Amazon and Target. The cards can be tracked and redeemed through the app, or can be given as gifts to family members and friends.
- Frequent Flyer credit. Upside customers still receive their frequent flier rewards and credit card points on top of any gift cards.
Upside is the first online travel service built just for business travelers, particularly travelers from small and mid-sized companies that can't access special pricing or quality customer service.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
