In these days of no frill travelling, traveling in business class can be costly. While it’s just a matter of two additional inches of leg room and a meal in on smaller carriers, but on larger carriers, business class competes with first-class service for luxurious experiences. If you are flying economy, you can still get business-class-like experience with a little imagination and planning.

1. Check out the airport services like many airports now have the pay-per-visit “business class lounges” where you can rest up, work on the Internet, have a snack and feel as if you’ve paid for a full-fare business-class ticket.

2. Ask for upgrading the new sections between business and economy. These seats combine qualities of both at a cheaper price than regular business class.

3. Order vegetarian meals in advance. They are often served first and usually consist of fresher, healthier fare.

4. Pack your amenities kit like they offer in the business class. Bring eye shades, travel socks, an inflatable pillow, mints and a plastic bag containing a small bottle (3-oz.) of luxurious moisturizer, a mini toothbrush, three ounces of toothpaste and mouthwash.

5. Try to get seat in front of the plane. It’s a good place to be in case of razor-thin connection times.

6. Pack your non-liquid snacks for long lulls between meals. As many airlines don’t serve full breakfasts even on transatlantic flights-even on business class the breakfasts tend to be skimpy these days. So, packing your own supplements would be the best option.

7. Find a human to check in with, not a machine, and then ask for a bulk-head or an exit-row seat. You may not get one, but if you do, you’ll have a significant amount of bonus legroom. If none are available, ask for a row with an empty seat beside you.

8. Increasingly aware of baggage limitations, thefts and other potential problems, nowadays, many business travelers prefer to carry memory sticks instead of their bulky laptops. So, you can carry small portable entertainment system loaded with films.

Business Travelers

Most of business travelers moving effortlessly from their town cars to their first-class lounges; come off as know-it-alls. But they are not as smart as they pretend to be. If they were, why would they spend so much money on it? Although business travelers comprise only one-third of airline passenger traffic, they account for more than half the air carriers’ revenue. Truth is, business travelers are often trapped in thankless jobs, and their jet setting lifestyle only seems glamorous.

According to a survey done by Microsoft, two-thirds of business travelers would just as soon spend time in a dentist’s chair as go on their next business trip. To know more about the three biggest sins committed by business travelers read on…

Hotel Booking for Business Travel

Ever get to a hotel only to learn that they don’t have an internet connection? (When was the last time you used dial-up?). Or need to run off a few last minute copies of your presentation only to find there is not a copy machine in sight? This is a know-before-you-guide to making sure you have everything you need for a successful business trip.

First mistake, don’t assume that higher priced hotels have better business services. The truth is it is actually the budget brands that cater to the business traveler. From self-service business centers to complimentary wireless internet, they are more often better equipped to accommodate the road warrior. Many, including Hampton Inn, Garden Inn, La Quinta and Holiday Inn Express offer complimentary wireless internet.  Be sure to inquire about this service before making a reservation. For hotels that charge for internet, ask them to waive it. In many cases, they will waive this charge in order to confirm your booking. As for business center services, try to locate a Kinko’s or copy center near your hotel. They often have better equipment and will charge you far less.

If you are staying in a hotel that has concierge services, use them! When you plan on entertaining clients or need to purchase a special gift, the concierge is trained to have the inside track on the best places to go – even difficult to come by event tickets. They are also an excellent resource for everything from directions to secretarial services or even that very well earned massage after a long day.