A High-flyer’s Guide to Air Travel: Tips and Tricks for the Business Traveler
Grab your boarding pass and fasten your seatbelt folks – we’re about to take off on a non-stop flight to ‘savvy business travel.’ Because let’s be real: for those of us who live on planes as much as we do on terra firma, air travel isn’t just a method—it’s a lifestyle. And mastering it? That could just be your ultimate business travel hack. Buckle up and enjoy the flight.
The Pre-Flight Checklist
Before you even step foot in the airport, get your digital ducks in a row. Most airlines have mobile apps that make it easy to track your flight status, check in, and even download your boarding pass. Clear your path by availing services of global entry or TSA pre-check for expedited screening at check-in and security. Remember, every minute saved is one more to prepare for that big meeting, or maybe just smirking at the less-prepared masses marching glumly to regular security lines!
Packing Right and Light
No one ever waxed eloquent about the joys of packing, but with smart strategies, you can make it a breeze. In air travel, as in life, it’s about quality, not quantity. Carry versatile clothing items that mix, match, and layer well—think business casuals with an added blazer for impromptu meetings. Carry two pairs of shoes – practical yet stylish. Stop shoving your entire bathroom into your toiletry bag, hotel amenities or travel-sized essentials have got you covered. This minimalist approach not only saves space but will help you breeze through security lines like a seasoned globetrotter.
Airport Navigation
Airports can be nerve-wracking mazes. Use apps like GateGuru to locate your gate, view airport maps, or even find a good bite before your flight. Pro tip: seek out a less-popular terminal. It might require a tad more walking, but it’s a small price to pay for shorter lines, more outlets, and an overall more tranquil pre-flight experience.
Points and Perks
Business travel and frequent flyer miles are a match made in cloud nine. Sign up for an airline credit card to earn miles and unlock amenities like priority boarding, free checked bags, or access to airport lounges—those swanky oases can be a life-saver for rebooting, recharging, and rehydrating. Become an elite member of one airline to enjoy reciprocal benefits on their partner airlines. Not a fan of commitment? Consider a more universal rewards card. My mantra is – Accumulate. Redeem. Repeat.
Napping in the Clouds
Long haul flights are prime time for catching up on reports, reading or writing. But remember, you need rest, too. Pack a good eye mask, noise-cancelling headphones, and travel pillow. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and fly in comfortable attire. Stick to your typical sleep schedule if possible, and adjust to your destination’s time zone as soon as you can to thwart off jet lag.
Stay Connected
Ever tried coordinating Skype calls mid-flight, only to realize your connection is more unstable than the stock market? Various airlines offer Wi-Fi plans for frequent business travelers. Or invest in a portable Wi-Fi device to ensure you’re perpetually online, both mid-flight or during layovers.
The Art of Boredom Busting
Delay at the gate? Sitting tight during an extra-long layover? Welcome to buy your way into an airline lounge. Rent a mini cabin for some privacy, or carry a Kindle to be your faithful companion in these flightless hours. And always remember, work’s necessary, but so is relaxing. Because as we high-flyers know, work plus relaxation equals productivity.
Happy Travels, business jet-setters!