Expert: Joel Linton - 1/14/2004

Question
I am starting to do quite a bit of business travel and I have a couple of questions.  Just so you know for now my travels are usually in the US.  I was wondering though which airline and hotels you think have the best frequent flyer/stay programs as I would like to concentrate on just one or two so that I can start to really rack up those points.  Also I would be interested to hear what thoughts you have about how to be as productive as possible when on the road, both for the work you are doing and during your down time.  Thanks in advance for your help.

Russ

Answer
Russ

The airline frequent flyer programs are pretty much the same -- there is no one that is better than the others.  I am locked into American only becuase of the convenience of using O'Hare as my main "departure" airport.  Your decision could be influenced by either your home location and your destination/s -- but I am sure one or two of the major ones will be suitable.

As you are starting out with some travel, you should arrive at your departure point well in time -- I adhere to the two hour rule, and in most cases don't really need it because my elevated status allows me quick check-ins.  Arriving in time will relieve stress and get you to the gate in good time.  The security lines are vary in time from place to place.

The hotel programs are a little different -- again, finding the difference is not easy -- however, there are one or two that allow "double-dipping" (getting airmiles and hotel points) for staying (Hilton is one of them).  After that, the accumulation of points are redeemed for free nights (that's assuming your request is within the rules).

Check which of your choices include car rentals (and which ones).

Productivity on the road is greatly enhanced with aspects of technology that are available -- good laptop, cell phone etc.  Lately I have been interested to see which hotels have broadband internet access in the rooms -- I have found this to be most useful for staying in touch via email etc.

The new technology of "wi-fi" is also gaining ground -- that is wireless internet connectivity -- at designated locations in hotels, convention centers, airport lounges, airport locations etc.  So if you are going to buy a new laptop, adding wi-fi capabilities is a good idea.  

Down time for me is a time for me to relax (depending where I am in the world) or time used to get home (again depending where my work time ends).  I don't stay in a place/city over a weekend unless it is something I really want to do -- now, when I travel overseas, if I am in a city that is new on my list, I would tend to use the downtime to explore and tour.  Some cities I get the hell out of and come home !

Hope this assists and if you need any further information just ask.

Good luck and safe travels.

Joel