7 Tips To Make Business Travel Easier and Less Expensive
Traveling for business can be stressful, inconvenient and altogether expensive. It’s always best if you can find ways to avoid business trips like conference calls or webcams. But we do understand that many business trips can’t be avoided so we’ve put together a list of advice to help your travel run a little smoother. Below are some quick and easy tips on how to make business travel easier, cheaper and less stressful.
1. Use travel fare search engines like Orbitz and Travelocity to find deals on airfare. Here is a quick list of helpful travel sites, some of which are much less known than the big names.
Expedia
Orbitz
Travelocity
Priceline
TravelZoo
Hotwire
Sidestep
2. Pack carry on luggage only. Now that most of the major airlines are charging for checking bags, packing carry on luggage can save you and your business money. This will also speed up your traveling process by not having to wait in line before your flight and not having to visit the baggage claim afterward. It might also be helpful to keep this packed carry on ready to go in your car for last minute business trips.
3. Fly out of small airports when closer. Often the bigger regional airports are booked first and preferred but they are usually a lot more crowded. Booking a smaller airport can actually save you time and money if it’s the same distance. Consider smaller airports for your next business trip.
4. Always check in online. Simply visit your airline’s website, check in and print your boarding pass ahead of time. This will save you loads of time when you get there, especially if you don’t have any bags to check.
5. In case of cancellation, keep a list of customer service numbers handy so you can get on a new flight right away. Here is a list of U.S. airlines and their U.S. Customer Service numbers. Print it out!
American Airlines: (800) 433-7300
Continental: (800) 523-3273
Delta: (800) 221-1212
JetBlue: (800) 538-2583
Northwest: (800) 225-2525
Southwest: (800) 435-9792
United: (800) 864-8331
U.S. Airways: (800) 428-4322
6. Sign up for frequent flier programs. This will not only accumulate miles for benefits but will let you pass by any lines faster. You can fly through security with most frequent flier programs
7. Always be aware of TSA Regulations so you can glide through security. Visit their tips on “What to know before you go“. Note that as of August 2008, the security authorities are allowing laptops to remain in bags as long as they meet requirements. See this diagram for TSA-Friendly Laptop Bag Procedures.
If you travel for business a lot, always make sure to sleep and eat well. Don’t treat these trips like a vacation and a reason to not maintain your health.
Looking for something a little different? Want to see our very best business opportunities of the month? Click here for our platinum, gold and silver opportunities!