Business Travel Tips

In times where airlines are continuously introducing new fees to offset fuel costs, getting informed on the carry-on baggage policy could be helpful to avoid unexpected expenses when checking-in.

RickSeaney.com published a chart comparing carry-on baggage policies — max dimensions, weight etc…. for most of the popular airlines in the world.

Here below is the chart (more…)

According to a survey conducted by The Ponemon Institut, over 10,000 laptops are lost or stolen each week at U.S. airports, with half them containing confidential corporate information.

The study was released last month as Dell, which sponsored it, introduced its new laptop data protection services for business travelers. Security industry executive Richard Stiennon, suggested advice on how to avoid laptop loss at the airport security checkpoint.

1. First, you should keep your laptop separated from the person behind you and in front of you. In order to do it, place your laptop in the first bin at the checkpoint with laptop bag placed in front of it. Put a second bin with your shoes, belt, wallet, etc. right behind your laptop. Your carry-on bag should go last. The first thing you should do on the other side is put your laptop in its briefcase.
2. Mark your laptop with a sticker.
3. If you lose your laptop contact the TSA immediately. Call the airport.

Last June 21, in the U.S., Transportation Security Administration (TSA) introduced its ID requirements for flyers.
TSA provided stats related to ID requirements over the period: Saturday, June 21-Wednesday, June 25:

- Total flyers: Approximately 10 million
- Flyers without ID: 1705 (.000017 of total flyers);
- Flyers denied access: 59 (.000005 of total passengers);
- Average wait time for identity verification or decision: 6.9 minutes.
(source)

In the effort to clear some of the misconceptions of the new requirements, TSA, in the case of forgetting to bring your id with you, says: “If you simply state you forgot your ID, we will work with you to verify your ID, you may undergo some additional screening and will be permitted to fly. On the other hand, if you do not cooperate and state that you’re not willing to show us your ID, you will not be permitted to fly.”

The stats show that of the 1705 flyers have shown up to security checkpoints without ID just 59 have not been allowed to fly.

Southwest Airlines initiated the 20th fare increase of 2008, raising by $10 to $20 roundtrip for travel starting 2-Nov-08.

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines followed Southwest later in the day.
Delta increased fares by $20 - $30 roundtrip and United raised prices by $20 - $40 roundtrip. (source: FareCompare.com)

Live Luggage has just introduced suitcases that have motors built into the wheels, an innovation making easier carrying luggage through the airport. These suitcases — PA (Power Assist), have motors built into the wheels and force sensors integrated in the handle.

Concerning the battery life and distance you can run, Live Luggage says: “Under average conditions, using a combination of inclines, uneven ground and flat surfaces you should see a minimum of 2 hours battery life from a fully charged unit […] Our tests resulted with an average distance of 1 3/4 miles with a 32 kg load”.

Features include:
* Flat motor technology built into the wheels
* Anti-gravity handle putting 85% of the weight over the wheels
* TSA approved combination locks
* Stress frame technology for additional strength and weight reduction
* Live Locator™ ID - a unique ID to help locate your suitcase in the event of loss
* Force sensors and tilt switches
* Unique umbrella storage (umbrella included)

For those who, after knowing the price — $1365, are still interested to it, here the link to Live Luggage website.