Make your Next Business Flight Stress-Free
Thursday, February 25th, 2010
For the well-seasoned business traveler, preparations for a smooth journey are often as important as the business that is at hand. If however, you are new to business travel, you may need a few pointers to make your trip less troublesome. Read on for some helpful tips.
Many major cities are served by more than one airport. Most of the time, one of them will be cheaper than the other(s). However, sometimes the savings on the less expensive flight is more than offset by the extra distance from the airport to your final destination. In addition, sometimes the less expensive airports have inconvenient connections. Look into the options in advance before you decide to buy your ticket based on price alone.
How flexible is your schedule at your destination? If you can alter your schedule, you may be able to select a different, and cheaper, flight. Alternatively, you may be able to pick a flight that avoids traffic to your departure airport, from your arrival airport, or both.
Booking in advance is generally going to mean a cheaper ticket price. However, you don’t always have this luxury. When you can book in advance, you may be able to save time as well as money
Double check that your documentation is in order, including passports, tickets, visas, insurance, hotel confirmations and contact information. It is a good idea to copy this and keep it separate from your other papers, just in case you loose you briefcase or luggage.
Security regulations are in a state of flux. Check on what is current before you arrive at the airport. This applies to all the airports you will use.
The same applies to your luggage. Be sure your luggage fits the airlines’ requirements. Exceptions are very expensive and once you have arrived at the airport, you don’t have a lot of options, other to pay up.
Have some local currency with you, about a day’s worth, before you leave. There are countless times when planes are delayed and the airport moneychanger is shut down by the time you get there.
Don’t rush on the day of travel. Plan in advance how long you will need to get to the airport, get checked-in and through security and government formalities.
Investigate the weather at your designation(s). You don’t want to leave Miami for Helsinki in the winter without a coat.
Find out what communications are available to you on the airplane, at all the airports you will use as well as in your hotels. You may have delays or other reasons to contact someone on short notice.
Look into frequent flyer programs and airline club lounges. These perks can make a big difference in your travel, especially if it is long range.
The key is to engage in a little planning before you go. If you can make your journey a little smoother, you will be just that much more ready for the business at hand at your destination. The experienced traveler knows how important this already, and you will also know it soon enough.