Good preparation is an important part of a successful business trip. For example, in our blog "Wisely traveling in Corona time" already tips what precautions you can take prior to and during your trip in times of Corona.
In this blog, we share more useful and valuable tips. Among other things about your luggage, the best seats on board and preventing jet lag. Tips you can always apply during your business trip! As Travel Management Company we like to think along with you in all aspects, so that you can focus on your activities at the destination.
Luggage tips for the business traveler
Traveling light and packing luggage smartly is the secret of many business travelers. The less stuff you bring, the faster you will get through airport security. Therefore, bring only the essentials, preferably only carry-on luggage. That way you won't have to wait for your luggage at the baggage carousel. Also try out the baggage tips below:
- Rolling prevents wrinkles. Pack clothes that don't wrinkle easily so you don't have to iron them. In addition, rolling clothes up instead of folding them generally reduces wrinkles.
- Handbag rules. Pay close attention to the carry-on baggage rules, check in advance. These can vary considerably between airlines. If the baggage does not meet the standards, extra charges may apply at check-in or at the gate.
- Luggage tag. Keep the baggage label. The label is often a small sticker with codes that seem unimportant, but in case of loss it can be used to find your suitcase. So it is important to keep it until you recover your luggage.
- Valuable items. Among other things, smartphones, money and tablets are best kept in your carry-on luggage. Note that if your luggage (unexpectedly) has to be checked in at the gate, it is wise to take these items out and carry them in the cabin. If necessary, be sure to put a small (e.g., linen) carry-on bag in your carry-on in advance.
- Heavy clothing. Wear your heaviest or largest garments such as a jacket or coat while traveling. Especially if you only travel with carry-on luggage. That way you will save a lot of space leaving room for other items.
How do you select the best chair?
Airlines have several travel classes on board. Each airline gives its own interpretation of these different classes. We previously explained the difference between Economy Comfort Class & Premium Economy Class in this blog. Get the best seat on board as follows:
- Chair selection. Please inform your Travel Consultant of your preferred seat in good time. If you book yourself through our online booking tool UBI you can easily indicate this yourself during the booking of the flight. You can choose and select your preferred seat via a seat map (see example).
- Online check-in. Try to check in your flight as early as possible at home, via the Internet. This is often possible as early as 30 hours before departure and often gives you the most choice of seat.
- At the front of the plane. Do you have a flight with a short transfer time? Then book a seat at the front of the plane. That way you'll be one of the first off the plane, which will get you to your connecting flight sooner.
- Loyal passengers. Airlines love loyal passengers. So always check in advance to see if the airline has a frequent flyer program you can sign up for. Even if you are not a gold member, loyal passengers are the first to be called forward when it comes to upgrades.
- Upgrade to business class. During periods of less business travel, such as the summer months and holidays, airlines are less likely to get business class fully booked, making it more likely that these seats will still be offered at the airport for (free) upgrades. Tip: make sure you look neat, business casual and formal in suits always do well. This will increase your chances of getting an eventual upgrade.
- Seat in the back of the plane. Do you suffer from claustrophobia? Sit as far back as possible. Here you will have the most open view in front of you. Just keep in mind that the plane in the back may shake a bit more during turbulence.
How do you prevent jet lag?
Travelers who take mostly long-haul flights are more likely to suffer from jet lag. Jet lag occurs because you cross multiple time zones when flying to a destination. This confuses our biological clock. Jet lag is most common when flying from west to east, for example, from New York to Amsterdam. Jet lag cannot be completely prevented but with the tips below, you can minimize jet lag as much as possible:
- Food: limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol during the flight and drink plenty of water. In addition, eat easily digestible foods during the flight and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Good night's sleep: Research has shown that travelers who travel tired or stressed out suffer more jet lag than those who start their trip rested. Therefore, make sure you are rested and try to manage stress.
- Itinerary: Delve into your travel schedule in advance and try to adjust your rhythm in advance to avoid jet lag. Flying east? Get up earlier the week before and go to bed earlier. Flying west? Get up a little later and go to bed a little later, too.
- Day and night rhythm: Set your watch to the time in the country of arrival and try to adjust your rhythm to the local day and night rhythms of the destination as soon as possible.
- Motion: get up from your chair with regularity and walk around. This will keep your blood flowing. You can also do movement exercises at your workplace.
Curious about more tips for business travelers? Then take a look at our blog "travel wise". Do you have questions about booking your business travel? Then feel free to contact us to discuss your options. Prefer to book your business trip yourself? Then get acquainted with our convenient online booking tool UBI and experience the many benefits for your organization! Request here offer a free online UBI demo.
Travel Well!
Linda & Femke
Business Travel Consultants Uniglobe Alliance Travel
