1. Loyalty.
Modern day business travel is made that much more comfortable by frequent flyer programs. The more you use a particular airline or hotel chain, the more upgrades and perks you become eligible for.
If you don’t wish to be permanently tied to only one airline or hotel, a viable alternative is to use a credit card that allows you to collect points and air miles irrespective of who you travel with.
2. A direct flight might not be non-stop.
Stopovers in airports not only make your journey time longer, but they can be tiring and involve long waits during which it is hard to get anything done.
When booking a flight, make sure you book a “non-stop” flight and not just a “direct” flight. Direct flights can involve a stop and a long wait at an airport in which you remain on the plane instead of switching planes.
3. Exercise on the plane.
A little bit of exercise helps to prevent stiffness and soreness from hours of sitting and not being able to move. An aid such as a tennis ball will prove a great help. It can be used to roll under your feet and your thighs, to exercise your arms and your hands; it’s small, cheap and easily replaceable.
4. Learn to pack.
Always pack clothes that can be mixed and matched with one another. A different combination of clothes can be as good as a whole new outfit when you are away from home. Pack clothes that will go with one or at the most two pairs of shoes and, for men, socks of a single colour. Check the weather forecast for your destination and pack appropriately. Remember to save room for anything that will help you sleep on the plane (a pillow or blanket). Always have toothpaste, mouthwash and chargers in your carry-on in case you need to access them on the journey.
5. Dress appropriately and be polite.
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes will make your journey easier but also remember that it helps to be smart and it always pays to be polite. You’re much more likely to be upgraded if you are looking well dressed, or were nice to a member of staff. Upgrades are part of the business travel life and can make your journey much more enjoyable. Try telling the gate clerk, politely, that you would like an upgrade if one should be available. The worst that can happen is that they say “no” and you find yourself in the same position you were in before asking.
6. Charge all your appliances the night before.
Avoid the inconvenience of searching an airport for an available plug socket and maybe having to deal with one for which you don’t have an adapter. Charging your appliances the night before will usually mean that you won’t have to charge them while you are in transit, saving you headaches that you can do without.
7. Order a special meal.
If you can go without the taste of airplane meat, ordering the vegetarian option when you book your ticket will usually mean that your food is served first. This means that you will be able to eat and then (hopefully) sleep all the quicker.
8. Avoid jetlag.
Jetlag can be very debilitating. There is nothing worse than being on a four-day business trip and suffering from jetlag the whole time you are away. Different people react to time changes in different ways, so experiment a little and find the method that is best for you. A way to acclimatise quickly is to set your watch to the time of your destination the moment you get on the plane. Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol on the flight. When you reach your destination, try to avoid taking a nap during the day and remain awake until the normal bedtime.
9. Take a re-usable filtration bottle.
If you’re used to drinking mineral water while you are away or don’t trust the tap water then a re-usable filtration bottle can save you money. It’s easy to fit in your hand luggage and will eliminate the need to buy endless supplies of bottled water.
10. Consider regional airports.
Although there will be more choice if you are flying to a major hub airport, it is always worth considering flying to smaller regional airports where possible. Security queues, parking and check-in will most likely be easier and quicker in the smaller airports.
