Conducting business on the road is often hectic and stressful. To avoid a similar experience with air travel to and from your business destination, follow these tips to prevent surprises and delays.
Big crowds, long lines
To avoid crowds and long lines at the airport ticket counter, use your airline’s Web site for online check-in, boarding pass printing, and seat assignments. Some airlines also offer curbside and self-service check-in at the airport. In addition, if you fly with just a carry-on bag, you can avoid checking luggage when you get to the airport. And if possible, schedule your departure for off-peak days and times.
Avoid getting bumped. When an airline overbooks a flight, latecomers are the first to be involuntarily bumped. To avoid getting bumped, check in at the airport early. Even if you have a boarding pass and a seat assignment in advance, you need to check in within a specific time before the flight’s scheduled departure. Airline Web sites offer information about check-in time policies.
Too much baggage
Limit carry-on baggage to one item plus one personal item, such as a notebook PC, purse, or briefcase. Label the bottom of your notebook with your business card or other identification and place keys, cell phones, and other items that may alert a metal detector in a clear plastic bag, so screeners don’t need to handle them individually. Also, check your air carrier’s size and weight limits for carry-on and checked baggage.
Power problems
If you plan to use your notebook during your flight, make sure its battery is fully charged and bring a spare if you have one. If you are counting on plugging into a power port, find out the location of power ports and get a corresponding seat assignment. Some airlines provide ports only in business or first class-seating areas.
Incorrect or missing documentation
For all flights you must have a governmentissued photo ID (such as a driver’s license, passport, or military ID) that matches the name on your ticket. If you are flying internationally, confirm documentation requirements for the countries you will be entering. See the U.S. Department of State Web site (travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1229.html) and your airline’s Web site for more on international travel requirements.
Ticket trouble
To avoid ticketing problems, get your ticket at least several days in advance of your flight. Verify that all of the ticket information is correct. In case flight schedules change, reconfirm your reservations a few days before your flight. And don’t buy a standby or open return ticket if you are flying during a high-demand time, unless your schedule is flexible.