Travel for a holiday is almost always a pleasure. Even if the plane is delayed or the security queues are long, there is the promise of what is to come at the end of the flight. But for business travellers, who have to fly frequently to attend meetings or conferences, the joy of the journey is often removed. Time is crucial, delays can be catastrophic and the destination not always something to look forward to. If business travel is a regular occurence in your job, these tips suggest ways to make sure the journey is as smooth as possible...
1. Choose your airline with care
If you are able to choose your own airline, do so carefully. The range of different options available for business travel varies greatly. If you're travelling long-haul, select an airline which offers lie flat seats in business class. The rest you get when completely horizontal is unrivalled by any other seat, no matter how spacious.
The newly equipped A380 is arriving for a range of airlines, and promises the most comfortable business class experience there is. Check which airlines fly your route, and check which aircraft they operate to ensure you get the best experience.
If you're flying short-haul and time is the most important factor , it can be worth considering the low-cost airlines. Though not normally considered for business travel, the no-frills carriers often have flight departure times that work well for those making day-long trips for work. Airlines such as Ryanair keep costs low by booking the least appealing slots for most passengers. As a result, there is a proliferation of early morning flights, departing at 6am. This can be ideal for the business traveller, who is able to reach their destination in time for morning meetings and return on the same day.
2. Don't book on the last flight home
Things can always go wrong and flights may be delayed or cancelled. If yours is the last flight out of the airport then there is no further option in the event of cancellation and you'll be forced to stay overnight. Avoid the situation by ensuring there is at least one or ideally two flights out of the airport after the one on which you're booked.
3. Check the distance from town of the arrival airport
To save time, make sure you arrive to the closest airport to town – or to the part of town with the office you're visiting. In London, for example, Heathrow is the largest and busiest airport. However, it is situated to the west of London, a considerable distance from the City. London City Airport, as its name suggests, is closer to the financial centre and a taxi from the Square Mile takes little time.
4. Check-in online
Essential for saving time at the airport and ensuring you have the best seat. If you're only away for a short time, you can normally check in for both outbound and inbound flights before departing. Select your seat as early as possible as well. Even in business class there is a variation in the seats available. Use a website such as SeatGuru to check the configuration of the plane and choose a seat away from the toilets. For extra speed when alighting, select an aisle seat close to one of the doors.
5. Travel light
If you carry only hand luggage, you will save a huge amount of time at the airport. To minimise on packing take only a small amount of clothes and use the hotel laundry to wash them. Pack all toiletries in small bottles (less than 100ml is essential for current regulations). Remember to have all liquids in a separate clear plastic bag and carry it through security. Pack a travel plug adapter so you don't have to worry about a dying mobile or laptop, a few USB sticks and a network cable.
6. Arrive at the airport early
It may be tempting to save time and arrive at the last minute, but since stricter security measures were put in place at all British airports, queuing has been a fact of life. Leave it too late and you might not pass through security in time and end up missing your flight. Arrive at least two hours before your scheduled flight departure. If you find there is plenty of time to spare, make use of the well-equipped business lounges. Cheapflights' travel tip on airport lounges has information about which services to expect.
7. In-flight: eat light, drink little
Don't have any heavy airline food if you want to arrive for your morning meeting in good shape. Likewise, stay away from in-flight alcohol. The altitude of the plane and the pressure in the cabin means that food and alcohol sit heavy on the stomach: not a disaster if you're en route to a beach holiday, but not so good if you're undertaking business travel and need to arrive fresh and prepared. Stick to something light such as a salad, and drink plenty of water, but avoid tea, coffee or any alcohol.
8. Exercise or sleep...
If you're on a long-haul flight, take regular exercise – walking up and down the aisle, or simply circling your ankles and stretching your arms. Keeping the circulation moving will stop you from feeling sluggish on disembarking. It's also a good idea, if possible, to sleep. This is the best way to ensure you arrive feeling refreshed. Frequent travellers often recommend pulling a blanket over your head to stop your throat drying out while you're sleeping.
9. Re-set your body clock
If you're travelling long-haul and want to avoid jet lag, one of the most effective methods is to set your watch to the time in your arrival country the moment that you get onto the plane. Read more tips about ways to counter the effects of jet lag in our travel tip.
10. Business travellers' essential tools:
Sign up to receive live flight information and details of interconnecting flights via text message or email. Star Alliance, which represents 17 member airlines, offers this service.
There are a number of sites dedicated to business travel. Orbitz, for example, has introduced a new micro site called OrbitzTLC with a page dedicated to business travellers which provides real-time travel updates and alerts, Wi-fi locators, travel tips and more.
Read up-to-date travel news on www.joesentme.com, the business travellers' travel blog created by veteran business traveller Joe Brancatelli.
Sabrina Wolfe
© Cheapflights Ltd
Updated April 2009
