We don’t want to teach you to suck eggs but we also know business travel can be exhausting and repetitive and sometimes you get into a routine or become a bit complacent. This blog is 5 quick business travel tips about how to get the most for your money and not get caught off guard that one time it doesn’t all go to plan.
Business travel tips that make a difference
Make loyalty work for you
Paying for lounge access, an upgrade or the seat you want is easy to do if you have the budget for it. Getting free upgrades, complimentary lounge access (or an upgrade to a better lounge) or getting access to the best seats on the plane (hello 1A) is often linked to your loyalty status with an airline and is much more tricky.
Choosing the right scheme for you can make a massive difference to your trip and the level of service you get both while you’re travelling as well as after your trip if you have any issues (like lost baggage). This is why it pays to sign up to loyalty schemes and, where you can, stick to the same provider (or group) to quickly get on their radar as a valuable customer.
Use technology to your advantage
There are so many brilliant apps and websites that have been designed to give you information, make your life easier or help you make the most of where you are.
To cover the basics make sure you:
Check the website Seat Guru before you choose your seat. You can see where the kitchens, toilets and emergency exits are, plus it highlights any seats with restricted legroom. Be aware though, the airline could change the type of plane you’re flying on at the last minute so it’s possible it will change.
Download the app of the airline you’re travelling with for live updates on gate changes or delays.
Find out if the city you’re arriving in has Uber (or an equivalent) and download that app for ease when you arrive.
Check out our blog more must-have apps for when you’re travelling.
Pack smarter
This isn’t about whether to roll or fold (roll, always!) your clothes but how to make sure you don’t get caught out if things don’t quite go to plan.
Hand luggage – you take hand luggage only so you assume it will be with you all the time… not always. On busy short-haul flights, you might be told to check your bag in at the gate. Make sure you have the things you want on the flight with you on top of your bag and you can grab any valuables (especially breakables) easily.
Checked luggage – make sure you know what is in it and you have receipts for anything that is high value because most airlines apply depreciation without them.
There are 3 things you should NEVER pack in your checked luggage – medication, jewellery and high-value electronics (iPads, laptops etc). Most airlines will take no responsibility if you are left without critical medication because they have delayed your bag and if your jewellery or high-value electronics are damaged or stolen, you aren’t covered by the Montreal Convention to have them replaced.
Our blog 5 ways to minimise the impact of a delayed bag goes into more detail if you want to ensure you are prepared.
Be prepared with the basics
It might sound obvious and yes, it’s a little tedious but take the time to make a high-resolution scan of your drivers license, passport, visas and your credit card. Save it on your phone/laptop and leave a copy with a trusted family member or colleague at home. If anything goes missing or is stolen, it will be much quicker and easier to replace with these documents.
Back up your phone to whichever cloud you use, make sure you have ‘Find my phone’ turned on and make a note of your IEMI number. If your phone is lost or stolen you’ll really appreciate that you took the time to do it.
For more tips on being prepared and staying safe take a look at this blog.
Maximise your time
Depending on where you are going and the length of your trip, the time you have to yourself whilst you are away will vary greatly. Whether it’s a Sunday afternoon and evening on arrival, a Friday afternoon before the night flight home or a mid-week evening with no planned event, maximising the leisure time you have can make a big difference to how you feel about travelling for work and that elusive work-life balance. Speaking to local colleagues to get restaurant recommendations, using TripAdvisor’s downloadable guides so you have an easily accessible information with or without wifi or even looking at companies that offer organised trips, guided tours or private excursions are all great ways to make sure you’re spending your time wisely.
