Mastering the Art of Business Travel: Air Travel Tips
If ‘airport’ feels like your third home and you know airplane food like the back of your hand, you must be a business traveler. As a seasoned globetrotter myself, I’m here to serve up some hot tips to make the potentially taxing world of business air travel as breezy as a beach vacation.
Get The ‘Royal’ Treatment With Frequent Flyer Programs
Ever hear about those lucky folks magically getting upgraded to first class? That’s not divinity at work, it’s the result of strategically-built loyalty. Most airlines offer frequent flyer programs, offering benefits like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance and yes, upgrades too. So pick your ‘chariot in the sky,’ stick to it and enjoy the royal treatment.
Embrace the Magic of Mobile Apps
From booking your flight to checking in, everything today is just a tap away. Use airline mobile apps to avoid those pesky queues, keep you updated with flight changes and even provide digital boarding passes. But don’t stop with just the airline app. Apps like TripIt will consolidate your travel plans, while GateGuru provides airport maps and restaurant reviews — making that giant metal birdcage a bit more navigable.
Expert Packing: Business Edition
Light and fast – that’s how a business traveler should roll, quite literally. Pack light and you can avoid the dreaded carousel of uncertainty, aka the luggage belt. First, craft a capsule wardrobe featuring versatile clothes. Use space-saver bags to make sure your business suits aren’t crumpled when you unpack. Keep all your gadgets and their life-lines (read: chargers) in your carry-on – You wouldn’t want to be sans laptop at a client presentation. A few extras like noise-cancelling headphones and a sleep mask can make your journey a lot more peaceful.
Airport Lounge: Less Hustle, More Muscle
Savvy business travelers know that an airport lounge is a thousand times better than any gate-side seat. Free WiFi, comfy chairs, free snacks, and sometimes even showers! Access isn’t always restricted to premium travelers; look into day passes or credit card offers that give lounge access. Trust me, your waiting hours will thank you.
Fly Through Airport Security
Getting through airport security can feel like an Olympic event at times, but don’t sweat it. Enroll in expedited security program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry to whisk through those long lines. Also, have your laptop and toiletries ready to place on security trays and remember the magic formula – 3-1-1 (liquid rules).
Beat Jet Lag Like a Pro
The business traveler’s nemesis – jet lag, can be trickiest to beat. Stay hydrated during your flight, adjust to your new schedule pre-flight by shifting your sleeping and eating cycles, get outdoors when you land and exercise to kick your circadian rhythm back into sync.
In the business world, time is money. Business air travel doesn’t need to eat up all your time or energy. With a bit of planning, smart tools, and handy tricks, you can make it a seamless part of your profitable ventures. Stay tuned for my next post where I’ll discus hotel stays, car rentals and restaurants for the busy traveler.
Travel smart, live large!