Business Travel tips

Pick an airline and hotel company that offers the most flights to your work destinations and lodging options. Stick with those chains to maximize rewards. Nowadays points can be used across many chains.

Get a travel card to, again, maximize rewards.

Invest in a nice set of wireless headphones.

Which airport will you be using as your hub?

1. Travel Away
2. Lyft if you’re a Delta flyer, they partner together so you earn miles when you use Lyft.
3. I prefer Hilton, but I know a lot of people like Marriott.

Addition: if you don’t have TSA-Pre already, get it. Also, pick one airline and use them exclusively to get status.

A good backpack. Don't listen to the haters.

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1. The best carry on luggage

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I've been doing what you do for about 8-10 years. I'd start with a moderately-priced piece of luggage and a backback or shoulder bag that can slide over your handle.

At $75-125 you should be satisfied for the time being until you can figure out exactly the setup that works best for you based on your clothing needs, work items/supplies, etc.

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2. Getting in, out and around Airports

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All depends on your line of work. I rent a car wherever I go because my trips require me to bounce around client locations that are often not in the urban core of a major city. A buddy of mine just uses lyft/uber since he's going to one site for a day and back to his hotel.

As already mentioned, getting PreCheck is important...will make your life smoother.

Lounge access could be a nice plus depending on the airlines/airports you'll be frequenting. Look for a credit card that comes with Priority Pass or get an AMEX Platinum.

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3. Hotel chains to use

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Marriott is now the behemoth so they'll have your most options. But once again, it all depends on your primary sites/locations. For someone that's only going to major cities and staying in urban centers, I'd consider Hyatt as an option.



The big thing through it all it to do your best to pick one airline, hotel, & car rental company. You'll want status as soon as possible given the amount of travel you're doing. Delays, issues, etc. will happen and travel entities take care of their elite customers far better than their "kettles". For me and my territory, Delta with SW as a backup, Marriott, and National are my "go tos". For my colleague, it makes sense for him to focus on American, Hilton, and Hertz.


Once you setup rewards accounts, call their customer service line and note that you're a new, frequent business traveler and are considering using their brand. Ask about a "status challenge" to obtain elite status faster.

Good luck. You'll enjoy it sometimes and hate it others.

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I always dress in a sport coat when I fly, I find it has paid dividends when I have to go to Plan B or C when dealing with airlines or with business meetings once I get where I’m going.

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Agree with this 100%. Of course, dress standards vary by industry, but being professionally dressed will make your life easier. Keeps you from packing too much, reminds you that you're not vacationing, reminds you that you're representing your company's brand, etc.

Find business travel clothing w/some stretch; you'll be comfortable despite wearing a coat to fly.

I just created an account and was about to create a post asking the same thing. I've never done business travel and I'll be in the air weekly in different locations around the country. I've already got an Amex SPG rewards card, but looking to learn the rest to make the most out of the travel.

1 Red Oxx - Air Boss

2 Enterprise/National

3 Hilton

Once you know what airline you'll be on, get a Business/VIP lounge membership for that airline. Waiting 3 hours for a flight while relaxing in a huge lounge chair with a coffee and food is nice.

Good point. Just double check that there is an AMEX lounge at the airports you’ll be going thru or that your airline’s lounge accepts AMEX.

I travel heavily for work every two weeks. I have been burned by Delta, American and United so many times that I drive to New Orleans to fly southwest. New Orleans with all airlines has more flight options. So, a one hour drive is better than an over night delay.
1. Southwest has the best rewards program out of all so that’s what I fly. Companion pass is gold! Great App. All receipts on app
2. Hertz Platinum club is worth the $100.00 annual fee! Get off plane, walk to cars, see your name on the board and what assigned spot is, get in car and leave!!!! No counter people. Great app. All receipts kept on app
3. Marriott Rewards Card. Get the card! Every dollar spent at Marriott gets you 5 points. Sign on bonus gets you 50,000 points. You will be over 150,000 points before you know it. Great rewards program. A one night stay at Ritz Carlton is 50,000 points. We stayed at the Ritz for a week. Only cost me incidentals. Was legit

Fly out of New Orleans