Business travelers: 7 tips for stress-free air travel
Published on 18 avril 2019For all business travelers, taking a flight can be a source of stress before an important meeting. Checking in luggage, going through security, finding your boarding gate, and boarding the plane without being rushed can make the pressure rise! Today, we give you some key tips to help make your business travel simpler and more enjoyable.
Summary:
- Travel light
- Check in online before your trip
- Use a valet service for your parking
- Choose a seat in the front rows
- Don't rush to be the first to board the plane
- Plan your transportation ahead of your trip
- Sign up for frequent traveler programs
1. Travel light
If you're traveling for a short duration, it's best to stick to a simple carry-on bag that meets the airline's requirements. This way, you avoid having to check in luggage and wait to retrieve it upon arrival.
👉 Make sure to bring only the minimum amount necessary. Anticipate the clothing you will need and don't clutter up with unnecessary items.
⚠️ Attention: some low-cost airlines now sell tickets without even including carry-on luggage. You will have to add it as a supplement at the time of booking.
2. Check in online before your trip
Online check-in can save you considerable time! If you already have your boarding pass on your phone or on paper and no baggage to check in, go directly to security to have your baggage checked and then wait for your flight at the boarding gate.
👉 When checking in early for a short flight, arrive 1 hour before and for a long flight, 1 hour and 30 minutes before.
3. Use a valet service for your parking
By using the valet service Blue Valet, you save 30 minutes on the way to and from, avoiding the hassle of finding parking yourself. No more shuttle or public transportation hassle.
You drive to the departure hall yourself, you don't waste time, a valet picks up your car directly at the drop-off point and voila, in 2 minutes it's done! You're ready to board while your valet takes care of parking your car in a private and secure lot. Upon your return, you'll find your car in front of the terminal, ready to hit the road.
4. Choose a seat in the front rows
If you have little time between landing and your business meeting, choose a seat at the front of the plane! With some airlines, it's possible to choose your seat for a small fee.
👉 Sitting at the front of the plane can allow you to disembark more quickly and save a few precious minutes!
5. Don't rush to be the first to board the plane
Unless you were unable to reserve your seat and are particularly determined to get a certain seat near the window or in the aisle, don't rush when the boarding gates open.
Instead, sit comfortably near the boarding gate with your laptop or newspaper and let the crowd of passengers board first. Being the last to board the plane allows you to avoid standing and pushing to get to your seat and place your carry-on luggage in the compartments.
6. Plan your transportation ahead of your trip
There's nothing worse after a long flight than not knowing which transportation to choose to reach the city center or the exact address of your business meeting. Queueing at taxi stands, waiting to rent a vehicle, or looking for public transportation, avoid all of this by researching in advance the best solutions to reach your final destination comfortably and quickly.
👉 Organize yourself by booking in advance your taxi or by researching public transportation schedules.
7. Sign up for frequent traveler programs
If you travel often for work or for personal leisure, it's recommended that you sign up for the frequent traveler loyalty program of your usual airline.
Registration is often free and if you are a frequent traveler, the benefits can include promotions, access to airport lounges, priority boarding, and more. Additionally, since some airlines are part of larger groups, you can also accumulate air miles when you travel with other partner airlines.
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