Tips for a Noob who travels for work?
Feb 20, 2018, 1:08 am
#31
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: California
Programs: DeltaSilver/MM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 494
To each his or her own I suppose. For me at least sleep in a plane is never equal to that on the ground (regardless of whether you're in J, F, or Y) so I'd rather try to clear work backlog to reduce late nights on the ground.
Reading is fair enough - although take the best of both worlds and catch up on whatever you need to read for work...
As for movies.. never understood people who watch movies on planes. But I'm clearly in the minority there so I'll let it pass.
Reading is fair enough - although take the best of both worlds and catch up on whatever you need to read for work...
As for movies.. never understood people who watch movies on planes. But I'm clearly in the minority there so I'll let it pass.
Feb 20, 2018, 2:32 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2017
Posts: 56
Thank you guys, these are actually very helpful tips. Another question, is the "upgrade" list supposed to be taken care of before anyone on "standy"? Does it affect my upgrade chances if I'm GM and let's say a DM is on standby? I ask because there were 3 times that I did NOT get upgraded, even as 1st
I always check a bag, not by choice, because I have to bring tools with me, and apparently the TSA won't let me take a 14 inch level as a carry-on. I am honestly kind of glad I have to check my bag, so I don't have to deal with the struggle for overhead space.
I think there is a lot of good advice in this thread, but I think the biggest thing about business travel (for me) is that it can get pretty lonely, especially if you rarely travel with coworkers. Certainly you could use Tinder/Grindr to have a little fun, but presuming you don't want to do that (or are looking for some kind of long term relationship, it isn't really practical). If you are travelling to urban areas, it isn't a big deal, my first thing is to check yelp for dive bars and have a seat at the bar. Hotel bars are the next best option. There are usually sights to see, but when I travel I rarely am allowed the time to see them (I still try and squeeze something in), and have dinner with friends if any live in the area. The absolute worst trips for me are trips to middle of nowhere places, crappy hotels, no bars, and absolutely the worst case (for me) dry towns. When I know I am going to such a place, I usually just pack my XBOX, as it is something to do and I can at least play games with friends to have some social interaction.
I think being happy travelling for business is dependent on where you are going, if you are going alone, your personality, and many other things. Find a good balance for you, and don't forget that you need to interact with people outside of work or you will eventually realize you are miserable.
Feb 20, 2018, 3:36 am
#33
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: RDU
Programs: DL DM, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Platinum, etc etc etc
Posts: 2,341
(also I misspoke above I meant to say sometimes it feels like mere minutes when I get my bag but again I’m not using a stopwatch)
Feb 20, 2018, 6:48 am
#34
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: DL Platinum, Hilton Diamond VIP, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 230
Also, one can look if it's possible to fly-in "before" your normal day of travel to take advantage of such. Many times clients they might appreciate, and pay for day-before travel so you can report during normal start hours instead of when you get in from the airport mid-day for-example.
Feb 20, 2018, 6:50 am
#35
Join Date: Nov 2014
Posts: 597
Where do the locals go? What do you eat around here that might be new for me?
I worked for a management firm in my mid-20's and traveled to job sites all over the country every week. One of my colleagues passed some advice to me and it turned the job into a youthful odyssey.
First, check out the local restaurants and local cuisine. If you're in Maine, it's not just lobster, but blueberry pie and even blueberry ice cream. In Sante Fe, it's everything, topped off with apple pie with green chiles. In Lafayette, LA, it's everything cajun. In Fargo, you might want to skip the lutefisk. And you can do well by asking a local at your jobsite where the locals go. My "go to" question was, "when a kid comes home from the Army or from college, and wants to go to a neighborhood place for a good meal with the family, where do you take him?"
Also, you're going to be going to some places you'll probably never visit again. And you'll have a chance to see some stuff that can be really cool. Or, if not cool, that will give you some good drinking stories to tell. Maybe it's the Corn Palace in Mitchell, or the Tabasco Factory in New Iberia, or the cemetery where 100 Titanic victims are buried in Halifax. Check this stuff out.
Our company gave you the option of staying at the jobsite for a weekend if it cost them less than the roundtrip flight home, and I took that option on occasion and did some great sightseeing and met some great local folks (even though we were not permitted to socialize with the clients).
After a little less than a year, I got sick and tired of helping companies downsize (it meant RIF's), and changed career paths. But I had a helluva time on the road and learned a great deal about the real diversity of the USA.
Consider this your adventure, and plan some time to see the world - not globally, but regionally and locally. Enjoy!
I worked for a management firm in my mid-20's and traveled to job sites all over the country every week. One of my colleagues passed some advice to me and it turned the job into a youthful odyssey.
First, check out the local restaurants and local cuisine. If you're in Maine, it's not just lobster, but blueberry pie and even blueberry ice cream. In Sante Fe, it's everything, topped off with apple pie with green chiles. In Lafayette, LA, it's everything cajun. In Fargo, you might want to skip the lutefisk. And you can do well by asking a local at your jobsite where the locals go. My "go to" question was, "when a kid comes home from the Army or from college, and wants to go to a neighborhood place for a good meal with the family, where do you take him?"
Also, you're going to be going to some places you'll probably never visit again. And you'll have a chance to see some stuff that can be really cool. Or, if not cool, that will give you some good drinking stories to tell. Maybe it's the Corn Palace in Mitchell, or the Tabasco Factory in New Iberia, or the cemetery where 100 Titanic victims are buried in Halifax. Check this stuff out.
Our company gave you the option of staying at the jobsite for a weekend if it cost them less than the roundtrip flight home, and I took that option on occasion and did some great sightseeing and met some great local folks (even though we were not permitted to socialize with the clients).
After a little less than a year, I got sick and tired of helping companies downsize (it meant RIF's), and changed career paths. But I had a helluva time on the road and learned a great deal about the real diversity of the USA.
Consider this your adventure, and plan some time to see the world - not globally, but regionally and locally. Enjoy!
Feb 21, 2018, 9:55 pm
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
Since you are only a GM, I wouldn't worry too much about upgrades, especially if you are long flights or hub flights, but I believe if a DM clears standby then they go ahead of you on the upgrade list. There are many here that will probably answer that question more accurately than I can. I am only a PM and usually only get upgrades on regional or off day flights.
Feb 22, 2018, 11:01 am
#38
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: SE USA
Programs: DL DM/MM , IHG Plat, MR Titanium, HH Gold, EK Frequent Kettle, UA Silver, AA Hater
Posts: 2,020
Where do the locals go? What do you eat around here that might be new for me?
I worked for a management firm in my mid-20's and traveled to job sites all over the country every week. One of my colleagues passed some advice to me and it turned the job into a youthful odyssey.
First, check out the local restaurants and local cuisine. If you're in Maine, it's not just lobster, but blueberry pie and even blueberry ice cream. In Sante Fe, it's everything, topped off with apple pie with green chiles. In Lafayette, LA, it's everything cajun. In Fargo, you might want to skip the lutefisk. And you can do well by asking a local at your jobsite where the locals go. My "go to" question was, "when a kid comes home from the Army or from college, and wants to go to a neighborhood place for a good meal with the family, where do you take him?"
Also, you're going to be going to some places you'll probably never visit again. And you'll have a chance to see some stuff that can be really cool. Or, if not cool, that will give you some good drinking stories to tell. Maybe it's the Corn Palace in Mitchell, or the Tabasco Factory in New Iberia, or the cemetery where 100 Titanic victims are buried in Halifax. Check this stuff out.
Our company gave you the option of staying at the jobsite for a weekend if it cost them less than the roundtrip flight home, and I took that option on occasion and did some great sightseeing and met some great local folks (even though we were not permitted to socialize with the clients).
After a little less than a year, I got sick and tired of helping companies downsize (it meant RIF's), and changed career paths. But I had a helluva time on the road and learned a great deal about the real diversity of the USA.
Consider this your adventure, and plan some time to see the world - not globally, but regionally and locally. Enjoy!
I worked for a management firm in my mid-20's and traveled to job sites all over the country every week. One of my colleagues passed some advice to me and it turned the job into a youthful odyssey.
First, check out the local restaurants and local cuisine. If you're in Maine, it's not just lobster, but blueberry pie and even blueberry ice cream. In Sante Fe, it's everything, topped off with apple pie with green chiles. In Lafayette, LA, it's everything cajun. In Fargo, you might want to skip the lutefisk. And you can do well by asking a local at your jobsite where the locals go. My "go to" question was, "when a kid comes home from the Army or from college, and wants to go to a neighborhood place for a good meal with the family, where do you take him?"
Also, you're going to be going to some places you'll probably never visit again. And you'll have a chance to see some stuff that can be really cool. Or, if not cool, that will give you some good drinking stories to tell. Maybe it's the Corn Palace in Mitchell, or the Tabasco Factory in New Iberia, or the cemetery where 100 Titanic victims are buried in Halifax. Check this stuff out.
Our company gave you the option of staying at the jobsite for a weekend if it cost them less than the roundtrip flight home, and I took that option on occasion and did some great sightseeing and met some great local folks (even though we were not permitted to socialize with the clients).
After a little less than a year, I got sick and tired of helping companies downsize (it meant RIF's), and changed career paths. But I had a helluva time on the road and learned a great deal about the real diversity of the USA.
Consider this your adventure, and plan some time to see the world - not globally, but regionally and locally. Enjoy!
ALWAYS explore for at least one day, no matter how tired you are or how much work you have.
I have been to many places during work that I would have NEVER seen otherwise. And some of them are pretty cool. Some are not. But the experience is worth it.
I only have two states I've not been to (and one will get crossed off in April) and how many would I have without business travel? Less than half probably.
Same with international. I know BRU like the back of my hand but would never go there on vacation. 45 countries and counting (lots more to go!)
Every new experience brings you back a little different than you were; and after 35 years I would not trade any of it.
Feb 23, 2018, 10:48 am
#39
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: RDU
Programs: AA LT Gold, DL SM, HY Disc, Marriott LT Gold
Posts: 12,507
Simple things which you can customize based on your own situation:
1. Eat properly. Avoid fast food if at all possible, realize you're taking in a lot of sodium when you're not cooking your own meals. Know how many calories you want your dinners to be, and come up with a few standard meals you can order when in an unfamiliar place.
2. Pack lightly but with good (not expensive) luggage. Travelpro, Tom Bihn, Red Oxx. If you do the Sunday-Thursday gig every week, consider buying a second suitcase.
3. Look up activities in your destination cities. Depends on your interests. I like to go to baseball games.
4. Understand how to get "your fair advantage" from your company's travel policies. Don't cheat, but know what is permissible. On your way home, are you allowed to fly to an alternate city if the airfare is cheaper? My company allows that for most clients, and I've seen a lot of the country for 40% off the airfare I'd pay otherwise.
1. Eat properly. Avoid fast food if at all possible, realize you're taking in a lot of sodium when you're not cooking your own meals. Know how many calories you want your dinners to be, and come up with a few standard meals you can order when in an unfamiliar place.
2. Pack lightly but with good (not expensive) luggage. Travelpro, Tom Bihn, Red Oxx. If you do the Sunday-Thursday gig every week, consider buying a second suitcase.
3. Look up activities in your destination cities. Depends on your interests. I like to go to baseball games.
4. Understand how to get "your fair advantage" from your company's travel policies. Don't cheat, but know what is permissible. On your way home, are you allowed to fly to an alternate city if the airfare is cheaper? My company allows that for most clients, and I've seen a lot of the country for 40% off the airfare I'd pay otherwise.
Feb 23, 2018, 11:25 am
#40
Join Date: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,884
Step 1) Plan ahead and prepare for what can go wrong. Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong. Always give yourself ample time cushion and some more time on top of that to be safe.
Step 2) Book your travel plans to facilitate step 1 and ensure your sanity.
Step 3) As a result of doing step 1 and 2 properly, you will find you have a lot of downtime in the air and wherever you are visiting and you will receive lots of compliments from your coworkers and customers about how smoothly everything went
To avoid getting lonely or bored, figure out the coolest sights to see and best restaurants - things that are unique to where you are visiting. Yelp is a great resource for both. Be adventuresome!
Step 4) Celebrate a successful trip! Spend time networking/making friends with you coworkers. Go to a restaurant, sit at the bar and talk to people if you are traveling alone. On the flight home, have a few drinks and get an uber home (I always take an uber to/from airport on company biz since company pays. Your company would probably arrange a car service for you as well - a lot of people at my company do this, but I am more independent).
Step 2) Book your travel plans to facilitate step 1 and ensure your sanity.
Step 3) As a result of doing step 1 and 2 properly, you will find you have a lot of downtime in the air and wherever you are visiting and you will receive lots of compliments from your coworkers and customers about how smoothly everything went
To avoid getting lonely or bored, figure out the coolest sights to see and best restaurants - things that are unique to where you are visiting. Yelp is a great resource for both. Be adventuresome! Step 4) Celebrate a successful trip! Spend time networking/making friends with you coworkers. Go to a restaurant, sit at the bar and talk to people if you are traveling alone. On the flight home, have a few drinks and get an uber home (I always take an uber to/from airport on company biz since company pays. Your company would probably arrange a car service for you as well - a lot of people at my company do this, but I am more independent).
Feb 23, 2018, 11:57 am
#41
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Austin, Tx
Programs: DL PM, HH Plat, National Executive
Posts: 210
Get a durable luggage. My TravelPro seems to always get its zippers pulled off since it gets checked pretty often. However, it gets repaired for free under warranty since it is a Plat Magna 2.....
Consider noise cancelling headphones if you will be on a plane a lot. It makes quite a difference.
Consider noise cancelling headphones if you will be on a plane a lot. It makes quite a difference.
Now, if they could just find a way to combat smelly food people bring on and pax flatulence.
Feb 23, 2018, 4:19 pm
#42
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: MBS
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM HH Gold Marriott Gold IHG Spire
Posts: 183
[QUOTE=vincentharris;29433620]oh and this advice goes for all, after you land and are waiting go to the DL 20 minute baggage guarantee and pre fill it out. Wait about 30-60 minutes and submit it. The system is ALL over the place and gives you the 2,500 miles I am convinced out of sheer randomness and not based on the 20 minutes. Its a great way to get bonus miles and takes 8 seconds every time to fill out, worst thing that happens is the system says you dont get them.
Your advice to a new frequent flier is to lie? Nice....
Your advice to a new frequent flier is to lie? Nice....
Feb 24, 2018, 6:18 am
#43
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Williamsburg, VA
Programs: DL DM, Bonvoy LTT, HH Diam, UA Silver, USAF million miler ;)
Posts: 1,596
Also, one can look if it's possible to fly-in "before" your normal day of travel to take advantage of such. Many times clients they might appreciate, and pay for day-before travel so you can report during normal start hours instead of when you get in from the airport mid-day for-example.
Feb 24, 2018, 7:02 am
#44
In memoriam
Join Date: May 2005
Location: DAL
Programs: SWA A list preferred and CP, Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Hertz President's club
Posts: 9,803
1) learn to laugh. You can't make up the crap you see and that goes on as a road warrior
2) use the words please and thank you, they go a long way with airport and hotel staff
3) Amazon prime now grocery deliveries are a great way to avoid eating terrible on the road.
4) accept it is a different lifestyle. You won't have the social life at home others do, you'll learn most conversations with friends start with "where are you this week", you will cancel plans because your flight home was delayed or cancelled. Make peace with this and realize those who don't live this existence will never fully get it.
5) learn to be grateful and live from that mindset. It is easy to get jaded, grumpy and believe you are entitled. Learn to look at the little things that make it good and appreciate them.
6) remember this is a choice you made and will keep making, contrary to what you read on here no one owes you anything just because you chose this lifestyle
2) use the words please and thank you, they go a long way with airport and hotel staff
3) Amazon prime now grocery deliveries are a great way to avoid eating terrible on the road.
4) accept it is a different lifestyle. You won't have the social life at home others do, you'll learn most conversations with friends start with "where are you this week", you will cancel plans because your flight home was delayed or cancelled. Make peace with this and realize those who don't live this existence will never fully get it.
5) learn to be grateful and live from that mindset. It is easy to get jaded, grumpy and believe you are entitled. Learn to look at the little things that make it good and appreciate them.
6) remember this is a choice you made and will keep making, contrary to what you read on here no one owes you anything just because you chose this lifestyle