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Business Travel Travel Technology

Onboard Wi-Fi: Check Before Flying

wifiThere are numerous reasons business travelers choose one airline over another, including convenient flight schedules, ticket price, aircraft type, or frequent flyer memberships. But in the last few years, a new reason for choosing one airline or flight over another has emerged: Wi-Fi.

Most major carriers have installed Wi-Fi in their wide body fleet but may not offer the service on smaller aircraft. If you use Wi-Fi in the air and if you choose an airline for that reason, it’s also important to keep in mind that airlines can substitute equipment at the last minute.

Major carriers who offer Wi-Fi on most of their fleet are:

  • Delta Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • JetBlue
  • Virgin America

There are a variety of pricing options available with each carrier including hourly, daily, or monthly. Some carriers even offer high-speed connections allowing you to stream video and music with their Wi-Fi packages. To ensure you have Wi-Fi when you need it, always check for service options and cost prior to booking your flights.

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Business Travel Travel Tips

Corporate Travel Safety On-board an Aircraft

Detective Kevin Coffey, President & CEO of Corporate Travel Safety, recently spoke at the Association of Corporate Travel Executives’ (ACTE) Education Day. Whether we are road warriors or once-in-a-while vacationers, Coffey reminded attendees of the safety precautions we should all be aware of. This post, which will address carry-on luggage safety, is the first installment in a three party series on the travel safety tips Coffey shared.

Most people think their valuables are safe when using a carry-on bag–that if our items are near us, we are protected. However, theft can still occur and people who steal on-board an aircraft have been both airline employees or fellow travelers. Here are 10 ways you can protect yourself and your carry-on luggage.

  1. Check Your Jacket Pockets – Before hanging your jacket, take all your valuables and your wallet out of the pockets. Anyone on-board has access to the closet and this is the first place a thief will look.
  2. Differentiate Your Bag – Many bags look alike. Just as you may distinguish your checked bag so you can find it easily at baggage claim, do the same with your carry on. This way you can avoid a mix-up with another passenger grabbing the wrong bag, or a thief saying they thought it was their bag.
  3. Stow Your Bag Upside Down – When a thief rummages through a bag, they reach their hand in the overhead bin, unzip the bag, and feel for items worth taking. This only takes seconds and most people do not know it has happened. If you turn your bag upside down, it is more difficult to get into. You can go an extra step and place valuable items in hard to reach places or zipper compartments.
  4. Stow Your Bag Across From You – Most people place their bag over their seat. Try placing your bag on the other side of the aisle. This allows for clear sight of your bag and who is getting into the overhead bin. When the bag is above you, you cannot see what the person is doing and if they are actually leaving your bag alone.
  5. Lock Your Bag – Extra security deters thieves while you are sleeping or in the lavatory. Such security may be a portable safe. This not only keeps your carry-on valuables locked up, but can be used in various situations to keep your personal items protected throughout your trip.
  6. Keep it Near You – Some people will stow their carry-on toward the front of the plane, while their seat is in the rear of the plane. But it is much easier for a thief to grab your bag and get a head start while you are still trying to deplane. Keep your luggage near you.
  7. Bury Your Cash and Wallet – Do not place your valuables in the outermost compartments where thieves have easy access. Keep a credit card to make on-board purchases and bury the rest in a hard to reach compartment.
  8. Be Aware of What You Put Under the Seat – Make sure there are no zippers or pockets facing the passenger in front of you. They have easy access to your items without you knowing. Do not leave your valuables at your seat when you need to leave your area.
  9. Common Sense – Keep your purse in front of you and your wallet out of your back pocket. This seems simple enough, but many of us forget this rule since we are preoccupied by all the other aspects of flying.
  10. If You See Something, Say Something – If you catch someone going through your bag, stay calm, as it could be an innocent mistake, but be firm. If you have caught a thief, tell someone immediately.
  11. As a final helpful tip, here are four things to always keep with you: 1) your ID (passport if traveling internationally), 2) a credit card, 3) a cell phone, and 4) essential prescription medications. If you lose everything else, at least you have the things that cannot be replaced quickly and easily. Plus, these items will get you out of a jam upon landing.

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Business Travel Travel Tips

4 Ways to Avoid Fatigue During Business Travel

Screen shot 2015-05-13 at 5.08.52 PM All of us have likely experienced the tiring effects of business travel that last more than a few days. Here are four tips to reduce the effects of travel fatigue on extended business trips.

1. Slow Down

At the end of your day, take a few minutes for a walk or enjoy reading a book and having a cup of coffee outside on the patio or at a coffee shop.

2. Relax on the Road

Schedule time for a massage or take advantage of the pool and/or hot tub at your hotel.

3. Download an App

There are many apps that can help reduce stress and induce peace of mind. The Mindfulness App (iOS/Android), Yoga Studio (iOS), and Sleep Pillow Sounds (iOS) are just a few.

4. Do Something You Want To Do

Go see a movie or visit a landmark. Explore the city you’re in and enjoy a few minutes outside of your work routine.

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Business Travel Travel Management Travel News Travel Tips

Travel Managers: TSA is Ramping down Pre?®

With all the buzz about traveler satisfaction, here is another topic for consideration: TSA Pre?, which definitely goes hand in hand with traveler satisfaction.

Because I usually travel on one preferred airline, I’ve been accustom to receiving TSA Pre? on my boarding pass without ever having signed up for the trusted traveler program. However, as of late, I’ve noticed fewer occasions where I’m designated a TSA Pre? passenger on my boarding pass and with less consistency.

On my last trip, I again received no TSA Pre?. However, I did receive an email from the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) stating that TSA was diminishing Pre? for frequent flyer opt-ins and less-than-frequent flyers like myself, and that it might be beneficial to sign up for one of the Trusted Traveler programs other than those offered through the airlines (listed below). Those who don’t have a Known Traveler Number (KTN) through the four different TSA programs will see fewer automatic Pre?s on their boarding passes. (Those who are already enrolled in a Department of Homeland Security Trusted Traveler program and have a KTN will not be impacted.)

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has several Trusted Traveler programs which provide an improved passenger experience.

TSA recommends that travelers who “want to keep receiving TSA Pre? on a consistent/reliable basis for the next five years” should enroll in one of those four Trusted Traveler programs. To learn more about these programs including a comparison chart of the benefits, visit DHS.gov/tt.

I chose CBP’s Global Entry as it was worth the extra $15 for my yearly international travel. After my face-to-face interview, I am covered for both domestic and international travel for the next five years.

I encourage all travel managers to pass this TSA Pre? info along to your travelers so they are better informed about these benefits. Or better yet, you might consider paying for one of the four programs or splitting the cost with your not-so-frequent business travelers.