Barry ET Harris MBE is a consultant for Proelium Law LLP. He is a veteran of 23 years’ service in the British Army, and combines specialist operational experience with wisdom gained from extensive commercial consulting, executive, and management expertise in his specialities gained in complex environments and high-risk jurisdictions worldwide.
As a business traveller having your travel procedures down to a science can help make journeys more pleasurable. After all, jet-setting is supposed to be comfortable and fun!
Have a single piece of luggage that always works, no matter what journey is being undertaken. Force yourself to be an efficient packer. Pack less than you think you need, as you are bound to return with more.
Think about the clothes that you want to bring, and then only bring half of them – bring dark colours that hide stains. Packing dress shirts in a shirt holder keeps them cleaner and helps to minimise wrinkles.
Consider packing a digital luggage scale for your travels. Overweight luggage can lead to a significant cost. Try to pack only versatile pieces of clothing. A lot of layers.
Charge everything the night before you travel. Your phone, tablet, laptop, Bluetooth devices, even your toothbrush! Charge everything that you will need, and put them with your car keys and purse or wallet, passport and ticket, ready to go. Aim to board a plane with everything at a maximum charge; it will give you more options when you land.
IN THE AIR
If you are loyal to airline businesses, they will treat you well. An essential element of business travel is frequent flyer programs; become brand loyal, so you obtain a high frequent traveller status. This will increase your access to more perks and upgrades.
If you do not want to be loyal to a single airline or hotel chain for, then at least obtain rewards-based credit cards that let you credit points and miles no matter who you choose to travel and stay with.
It is possible to gain upgrades on flights by booking an economy ticket with a “Y” or “B” booking code. This particular booking code is excellent for flyers seeking an upgrade. It means that the ticket is full fare. However, complimentary upgrades will be offered if there are seats available in the higher class.
Of course, you can always just request the upgrade at the time of booking, then check your seating status online 24-hours before flying. Frequent flyers are often informed of an upgrade within 100 hours of departure (based on status level).
Dressing nicely when travelling can give you an edge when gate and onboard staff select upgrades. When flights are oversold , on occasion gate agents will pick people to upgrade and being dressed well will help.
Points can be earned outside of the airport. Nowadays, the best way to “earn miles” is by shopping with credit cards, always use credit cards that gain mileage rewards for everyday spending and when you travel. But be sure to obtain a credit card that also waives foreign transaction fees, which can be expensive.
Do not turn your nose up at cheap fares for the sake of points. Many travellers will do anything to book flights to earn more points, even if it means passing up more affordable tickets with another airline. That is not always the smart move, especially when the cost of each mile is considered. Cash is king, and a good mileage strategy is useful, but do not pay extra just to earn miles.
Be aware of the difference between non-stop and direct flights, especially if you’re on a business trip and going to and from meetings. Time is wasted because of stopovers.
Do not mistake “direct” flights for “non-stop” flights when booking. A direct flight might still stop, and it is possible that you could stay on the plane, or be required to switch aircraft, either way, time can be lost. Try to book a non-stop flight instead of a direct one, wherever possible.
Always have something to do on the flight, a good book to read, a laptop, tablet, music, stress ball etc.
If the time in the air is short, but there is a meal service, order a special meal to get fed first, and then be ready for landing while everyone else is struggling to finish their meals and preparing to land. If you order a special meal, you tend to be served first, then you have time for a nap or anything else you want to do and will not have to wait for the full cabin service.
Use apps to track the miles you earn, they are excellent resources. Consolidate your flying with one or two airlines only. Choosing two in the same airline group such as Star Alliance, for example, will give you more flight options, and still accrue points to a single loyalty plan. Always check the leading international airlines to ensure your primary airline will gain the miles from flights on international carriers. Many of the perks afforded on your chosen carrier will transfer over to international carriers, such as excess baggage, upgrades or executive lounge access. Almost all international carriers offer free meals and alcoholic beverages on their flights.
ON THE ROAD
When renting a car try haggling for the best price possible. A luxury model car can be costly, but car hire counter representatives will negotiate much lower prices if the vehicle is available when you arrive. Always ask at the hire car check-in if it is possible to upgrade to a higher category, and if a price is quoted, negotiate as the car hire representative will not start at the best price available… Being polite always helps.
ACCOMMODATION
Be polite when requesting a hotel upgrade. Good manners should be evident to all; the more polite you are to hotel staff, then you are more likely to get an upgrade. If you are well-mannered and behave like a trouble-free guest that the hotel would want, inquire if an upgrade is possible? Ask the question directly, but be very polite, and act and behave as though you are worthy of it. Ensure that the check-in desk knows that you are a part of their loyalty program. They will give you upgrades and perks such as late checkout, early check-in, and access to executive lounges.
Choose your moment, and ask for hotel upgrades when the front desk is not busy. Hotel receptionists are often willing to upgrade customers when business is slow, but your best bet is to ask them when there is not a lot of other people waiting. If possible, wait until the last possible moment to book your hotel room. Waiting to book your hotel until the day of arrival can receive the best rates. Often the best way to save money on a hotel room is not to book until the day of arrival, although you can run the risk of not getting a room…
JET LAG CURE
Work out the best jet lag cure for you. We all react differently to changing time zones; it is essential to understand what your body needs and does not need to avoid jet lag. Put mind over matter and mentally prepare yourself for the time zone change. Synchronise your watch and mobile devices to the new time zone and do not allow yourself even to think what time is it back home. Stay awake during long flights and tire yourself out, ready to rest and reset to the new time zone once in your hotel room.
Safe Travels!
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