Road warriors have tips to survive summer
Fly nonstop and other advice for a busy season
The hectic summer travel season is only weeks away, so what better time than now to improve your air travel literacy? You can start by listening to the business travelers who are on the road for weeks at a stretch.
It’s easy to miss them sometimes. They’re the ones quietly sitting in the exit row seat, finishing a spreadsheet on their laptop computers. You might not even know you’re staying in a hotel with one, because they check in late and leave early.
About 1 in 10 people travel for business, and if you’re lucky enough to sit next to a road warrior on your next flight, you might learn a thing or two about improving your air travel experience. Such secrets include sage advice about where and when to book, how to travel more comfortably, and insider tips for surviving a crowded flight.
Book direct and fly nonstop
Michael Stanat, the director of global operations for the market research firm SIS International, says repeated flights have taught him to book directly with the airline and to avoid connections. “It is your safe bet in case you get delayed,” he says. “If you get stranded, you can rebook or get rerouted much easier than if you booked with an online agency. It may be more expensive to fly nonstop, but if your flight is delayed because of a missed connection, especially crosscountry, you may be on the hook for a lot more.”
Cheaper isn’t always better
“The cheapest fare is not always the best,” warns Sherrie Wilkolaski, who publishes the magazine Luxe Beat. If your plans change, you may pay more in fees, surcharges and penalties.
Patience pays
Rebecca Washuta, a nutrition and wellness consultant who has spent weeks at a time on the road, says she avoids early-morning flights because they are crowded and more expensive. “If your schedule allows, take a midmorning flight,” advises Washuta. “You’ll likely have a row to yourself, and you’ll have a better chance of getting bumped up to first class.”
Get to the airport with time to spare
Leisure travelers often wait until the last minute to head to the airport. But Tommy Goodwin, head of field operations at Eventbrite, says years on the road have taught him to do the opposite. “I arrive at the airport early so I’m not stressed out,” he says. “Nearly all airports have Wi-Fi so you can work if you need to, and most major airports have great restaurants (and) bars.”
Membership has its privileges
Real road warriors invest in premium security access programs such as Global Entry and Clear, according to Sheree Sekou, a leadership consultant and frequent corporate traveler. “It mitigates unnecessary delays,” she says. “Without the Clear premium access program, I’m certain I would have missed several flights throughout the years.”
Be nice to the crew
That’s the advice of David Decker, a national distribution executive for Royal Neighbors of America, an insurance organization. “Say ‘hi’ when boarding and ‘thank you’ when they serve you,” he says. You’d be surprised at how few passengers do this.”
Never miss opportunities to eat
“Never pass up an opportunity for a meal,” says author and astrophysicist Jeff Hester. Too many air travelers subsist on Cheetos and then gorge themselves on their next meal, he adds. “Don’t stuff yourself senseless, but eat when you get a chance. You don’t know when you might see food again,” he adds.