Business Travel Tips For The Newbie: Airplane Edition

So you have to fly somewhere for work and never have before? First, read these tips. Once you’ve mastered business tripping by car, you’re ready for the airplane. Here’s a few tips for new travelers:
1. Know your itinerary
You may not be the one to set up the flight and meeting times, but make sure you know them. Planning ahead, you’ll be able to know how much time you’ll have between meetings, where you are laying over, and what time you’ll need to get up in the morning so you can plan accordingly.
2. Have all your papers ready
Make sure you check-in and print your boarding pass the day before your flight, and print out any hotel confirmation numbers so you’ll have the address and information in case they mix up your stuff, or if you get a cab from the airport, you can give them the address. Most hotels will print your boarding pass for the way home, too. Also, make sure if you have a layover and have to change planes somewhere, you print BOTH boarding passes. I forgot to do this last trip and didn’t know what time my next flight was (they printed it for me at the desk). This was very upsetting because I wasn’t able to go to Jamba Juice. Or, you can go all 2010 and have everything set up on your phone – some airlines allow you to have your boarding pass on your phone.
3. Know the rules
It seems like once a month there’s a new rule TSA puts out about laptops and liquids and whatnot. Check out http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/index.shtm for all you need to know before you go.
4. Charge it
If you’re like me, you have a least five electronics with you at all time, no matter if you’re traveling or not. Make sure they’re all fully charged and you have your chargers with you in your carry on. And at the airport, plug in. Some planes even have outlets in the seats. Fancy.
5. Know your expenses
Does your work have a limit to how much you can spend on meals each day? What about wifi? Some airports make you pay for it (I’m looking at you, Regan International). Can you expense Starbucks? Know how much you can spend and plan accordingly. Also, know if you should use a company credit card or your own.
6. Bring snacks
Just like in my last post about the business travel subject, I recommend packing a few snacks. You can’t have drinks through security at the airport, but you can bring food. My last trip I had pretzels, an apple and Luna protein bars with me. That way, if you are hungry at the airport or while at your destination, you have something to hold you over until your next meal. Plus it’s healthier and less expensive than grabbing airport food. It’s also a good idea to bring an empty water bottle with you and fill up after security. That way, you don’t have to keep paying $8 for water in airports and hotels.
7. Pack your bag accordingly
Usually, a business trip calls for just a carry on, so pack accordingly. Girls: You don’t need tons of shoes. I know how much it pains you. So pack a key pair of heels and shoes to work out in if you need those, and that’s it. Anything bulky you need to bring like a jacket: wear it. Trust me, those overhead bins are the size of my leg (and I’m 4’11).
8. Dress accordingly
Just like a smart packed bag is key, so are your clothes. Make sure you know what type of meeting or event you’re going to, and dress the part. Don’t know? Business casual usually works, and bring a jacket just in case. Also, don’t wear something stupid through security. You don’t want to be *that guy* going through the line unzipping and who knows what else. Don’t wear crazy boots. I would recommend wearing something casual and then changing into your meeting clothes before you have to go anywhere. Flip flops and slip on flats are usually a wonder, and fit easy in your bag.
9. Catch up on work and e-mail
Traveling is a lot of boring hours of sitting. Utilize your time by opening up your laptop and banging out some work. Prep for your meeting or presentation, or catch up on e-mails. Some planes have wifi, but for most that don’t, just put all your e-mail in your outbox so when you do connect to the Internet, it will send for you. Shazzam.
10. If you’re not happy, get out
The other week, I was put up in a hotel that was not cool. It was dirty and I didn’t feel safe staying alone there. So I left. I told the woman at the front desk I wasn’t comfortable and they didn’t charge the account, and I just went and checked in at a Hampton. Know that you are traveling for WORK (or a speaking engagement) and they have to make sure you have the best accommodations. If you’re not happy, you absolutely have the right to change it. And if you’re given a hard time by the powers that be, perhaps you shouldn’t be working for them or doing a speaking engagement there.
Bonus round: Know where you parked at the airport.
Seriously, write it down or take a picture with your phone.