The Savvy Business Traveller’s Playbook: Air Travel Tips & Tricks
Consider the savvy business traveler, suitcase nimbly packed, boarding pass scanned smoothly, and their way-finding fingertips at the ready. When you travel for business, efficiency, comfort, and productivity are key. It’s not just about reaching your destination; it’s about doing so with minimum possible disruption. But how do you achieve this airborne nirvana? Oh, have I got some travel wisdom to share with you!
Get Set, Jet Set!
If “time is money”, then spending hours in airport lines is nothing short of bourgeois. The first step to high-flying success? Sign up for TSA Precheck or Global Entry. Bypass the proletariat and breeze through security, shoes and belt intact. No more hastily removing your laptop or travel-sized toiletries from your expertly packed bag.
Obsession with Compression
Every square inch of your carry-on matters. To make the most of this space, get your hands on some compression bags. Roll and squeeze your business shirts into neatly pressed packages. It might feel a bit like you are zipping your clothes into tiny plastic sarcophagi, but trust me, every garment will rise again wrinkle-free and ready to wear.
Your Seat is Your Throne
Even the most seasoned business traveller can’t control flight delays or turbulence, but there’s one thing you can control — your seat. This is your kingdom for the duration of the flight, so choose wisely. An aisle seat makes bathroom breaks a breeze, while a window seat offers stellar views and a sturdy wall for napping against. Center seat? We don’t talk about that (unless you have long legs and amicable neighbours).
Lounge Like a Boss
Flight delayed? No worries. Unveil your secret weapon: Your airport lounge access. Lounge benefits range from complimentary beverages and snacks to showers, quiet rooms, and even spa services. Not to mention Wi-Fi stronger than Hercules and quieter workspaces. It’s not exactly a beach vacation, but it can make a layover feel less like purgatory.
Bring Your Own Banquet
Depending on the airline, you might get a meal that’s gourmet or more “gore, yeh!” So pack some fail-safe snacks. Think protein bars, mixed nuts or popcorn – snacks that won’t cause a stir if you open them mid-flight, are filling and are able to pass through security. The benefits of bringing your own treats beyond taming the hunger beast in your belly? It minimizes your contact with flight attendants, an advantage in these germ-conscious times.
Arm Yourself with Apps
Last, but certainly the opposite of least, arm your smartphone with a squadron of essential travel apps. Digitize your boarding pass, get real-time flight updates, manage your travel expenses and much more. Apps like TripIt, Skyscanner, and LoungeBuddy are not just smart; they’re lifesavers.
Armed with these tips, you’re ready to take your business travel game to the next level. So go forth and conquer the skies like the savvy business icon you are. Remember, it’s not the turbulence that measures the traveler but how they handle it. Here’s to smooth skies and productive flights!
