I've had people ask me many times for advice on airlines, hotels, traveling with children, etc and I figure its about time I share some tips and tricks I've learned. Some of these seem like no brainers to the experienced business traveler, and some are little tricks of the trade I've learned the hard way.
Booking a flight:
1. Unless absolutely necessary book at least two weeks in advance, preferably three. If you have elite status, the earlier you book, the better chance you'll have of an upgrade.
2. Stick to one airline and choose an airline that makes sense with regards to where your home airport is. If you're based out of Chicago, you should make United your airline of choice. Based out of Dallas, fly American. Based out of Philly, Fly USair. I have people tell me all the time that they refuse to fly a certain airline because of a bad experience they had with one airline. Let me tell you, the good, bad, and ugly exist with all airlines and in the end likely even out. (Although the luggage handlers at PHL have successfully motivated me to avoid US Air at all costs in that city, thanks guys)
3. Save your frequent flier miles for expensive flights. Was it really worth it to fly for two years so you could cash in your miles for a $200 ticket to Denver? Frequent Flier miles should be cashed in for First Class flights, Hawaii, or International travel....enjoy your reward! Also, don't fall victim to those up charge fees to get additional miles when you check in...the value just is not there.
4. Get Elite Status anyway you can and fight to keep it. If you're not going to be able to keep your elite status, call them up. If you're close, some airlines will allow you to keep the status. Elite status is not just for the upgrades. For example, I fly United Airlines. With elite status, I get moved to the top of the list if I'm on standby. I don't pay to check bags. Yes, I know Southwest doesn't charge you to check bags....but as a business traveler, is Southwest really worth the hassle? As an Elite, you also have a separate 800 number for customer service, which greatly cuts down the "on hold" time.
5. Layovers are not necessarily bad things. To get closer to elite status or the next tier, consider taking layovers to boost your flight segments. I do recommend that you limit these to return trips only. Missing your connection on your way to business meeting can throw off an entire trip. Also, its wise to choose your layover city carefully. Choose layovers in big cities, preferably the hubs for your airline. This way, if you miss your connection there is likely another flight available later. I try to book my United layovers in Denver as I know they fly to Chicago about every 90 minutes or so
6. Get miles for other things you normally do. Make sure your credit card gets airline miles. Join their dining clubs and get miles for eating at places you normally eat at. When shopping online, especially with United Airlines, use the United Shopping Mall. Most major retailers are partners and they simply just ask you to log in and then transfer you directly to the retailers website. Popular stores such as Best Buy, Toys R Us, Target, and many others participate. This is also a great way to make sure your miles are not taken away if you do not fly much as most airlines require some sort of mileage activity each year or so.
7. For the best rates and mileage benefits, book directly with the airline on their site, not through Orbitz or other bulk travel websites.
8. Be polite to the gate agents, pilots, check in staff, etc. Remember, they work hard, have their benefits/pay cut often, and most importantly...it wasnt their fault that your flight was cancelled or delayed. They didn't make the call to have your bag pulled for inspection and they ultimately want to help you any way they can to make both of your days more pleasant.
9. Be efficient going through security. Don't make a scene or count on being singled out for a more "thorough" search. If you're chosen to go through the new body scan machines, its in your best interests to make sure that your pockets are completely empty. Otherwise, count on getting a pat down. If you are chosen for a pat down, don't give the TSA worker a hard time. Their just as thrilled about this part of their job as you are. Wear shoes that can be easily taken on and off. Always take off your jacket before going through. Learn which belts/watches/jewelry/etc will go through the x ray machines without you taking them off. And yes, your laptop/Ipad does have to go in its own container. Be aware of the carry on rule for liquids. Following these tips will get you through quicker and lower your chances of being selected for a pat down.
10. Most US flights are either on Boeing 737's or Airbus 320's. Airbus seats are slightly wider if that is a concern. Aisle seats will give us bigger guys a little more room. When you book your flight, try selecting a seat at that time. Getting stuck in a middle seat is about as bad as it gets, especially if you're not tiny.
11. When the flight attendants ask you to turn off your computers and cell phones, do it. Your email is not important enough to the hundreds of other passengers on the plane to delay the entire flight.
12. Understand that children will cry on a plane. They are likely scared to death by this new experience and the vast majority of the time, parents are doing their best.
13. Be the good guy. Good Karma is a great thing to have when traveling. Offer to switch seats so that a parent can sit with their children or a couple can sit together. Speaking as a parent, I can't tell you how much it means to me if someone switches seats with me so that I can sit with my children. It also doesn't hurt to offer to help put a bag in the overhead bin if you see someone struggling.
14. Its your right to recline the seat, but do the person behind you a favor and do it slowly.
15. Share the armrest.
16. Chatting with your neighbor can make flights go by quickly, but if they don't want to talk....don't force them.
17. Say hello to the flight attendants when you board. I can't tell you how many times I see flight attendants say hello and people just brush them off. A smile and a kind word can brighten anyones day. Its always safe to assume that someone gave them a hard time already today. If you'd really like to brighten their day, bring them a candy bar or two.
18. If the pilot is saying good bye when you leave, say it back. Landing is the most difficult thing for a pilot to master. If you want to brighten his day, mention how smooth the landing was.
19. Turbulence happens, but if you ever hear a pilot tell the flight attendants to take a seat...its going to get real rough, real quick.
20. Don't abuse the carry on privilege. Put one item in the overhead. And don't act surprised if you are asked to gate check an item. Some travelers just don't understand why they cannot bring their golf bag sized carry on with them.
Hotels
1. It should go without saying, but try to always stay in the same hotel or at the most, choose two brands and stick with them. Points clubs are free to join and rewards are easy to get. Some, such as Hilton Honors, gives you hotel points and airline miles. One way to choose is pick a hotel that you'd like to vacation at and book your business stays with that brand. I usually book at Hampton Inns as there are many Hilton's that are great for vacations. La Quinta also has a decent program and in particular, there is a very nice, new facility in Scottsdale, AZ that I will be taking my family to for vacation due to my points.
Rental Cars
1. Go to a web based travel site, such as orbitz or Yahoo Travel and get the rates for all of the rental car companies in the area you are going to travel and then go directly to the companies website and book direct. You'll get the best rates and you'll have a chance to enter your frequent flier number.
General rules of thumb:
1. Dress the part. I can tell you from experience, you'll get treated better in a suit than you will wearing torn jeans and a vulger T shirt.
2. Arrive to airports early. You can always get a coffee, snack, beer, etc if things go quickly. No one is concerned that you are in a hurry because in all likelihood, they are in a hurry too.
3. Do everyone a favor and don't bring food that stinks on board. Most flights in the US are only a few hours at most and you can buy a snack on the plane or eat before/after.
4. No one likes a drunk sitting next to them, exhibit self control at the bar.
5. Don't put disgusting things in the seat back cushion before you leave, I'm likely to reach in there on the next flight.
6. Be patient.
I hope some of these tips are helpful to everyone and happy/safe travels to my fellow frequent travelers!!!
John
