Business Travel Tips

As airlines are continuing to increase fares ar add new fees — see fee for second bag or for overweight and oversized luggage, here are some helpful tips by experienced travelers to keep business-travel costs under control.

- Exploit the Two-Seat Coach Scenario
If you’re able to plan ahead, when t is time of deep-discount sales, buy two sale-priced coach seats, which will cost less than one walk-up. That will guarantee the seat next to you will be empty, allowing you to spread out and affording you some privacy. But you need to call the airline and alert them to your two-seat purchase.

- Work the Premium-Class Pricing System
However, if you are used to flying up front, especially on longer-haul international trips, don’t assume you have to pay the inflated walk-up retail price. Airlines long ago broke the last taboo about business-class discounting. If you book between three and 60 days before departures, you’ll find discounts of as much as 75 percent.

- Fly Alternate Airlines
The days when the major carriers could dominate the skies and the business-travel agenda are long gone. Domestically, AirTran Airways, Southwest Airlines, and JetBlue Airways have all gone after business travelers with terrific value-added features and sells upgrades for just $10 to $20 above the going fare.

- Get a Good Carry-on, Ship the Rest
Pack smarter and buying better carry-on bags. And when you must travel with lots of luggage, ship with Fed Ex, U.P.S., or the special services rather than paying for the privilege of using the inefficient airline system.

- Use Alternate Airports
The airlines overcharge us for flying into a city’s best-known facility. Alternate airports often have less expensive flights and may be closer to your business destination.

- The Fine Print
Never buy tickets between Friday and Monday morning. Why? Airlines file fare increases on Thursday evenings and watch over the weekend to see if all of their competitors match the price bumps.
(source: Portfolio.com).