FCM Travel has launched a new browser extension for its Sam digital travel assistant, which the travel management company says will help redirect travelers making bookings on external sites back into the managed program.
Sam for browser works with both the Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge browsers, and it can notice when travelers are booking flights on third-party sites such as Google Flights, Expedia and Skyscanner, according to FCM. When that happens, Sam can provide the traveler with a one-click move into either FCM Booking or another preferred online booking tool with the flight search details already populated.
That will help companies reduce leakage and ensure travelers are accessing negotiated rates, according to FCM.
"With the needs and preferences of today’s business travelers constantly evolving, it’s more important than ever to meet travelers where they are throughout the business travel journey," FCM global head of product Jess Dunderdale said in a statement. “By bringing Sam into the browser, we’re providing a new way for travelers to navigate the bookends of their travel experience, from the search to the receipt."
FCM said Sam for browser also has expense management capabilities. Users can upload photos of receipts, and it can confirm the details in those receipts—such as vendor, amount and date—and autofill those into Concur Expense.
The TMC has made the extension available as a free download and has opened its use to all travelers, including those outside of its customer base, FCM said.