Unforeseen travel glitches can mean the difference between profit or loss for business travellers.
Read on to discover the tonics for those vexing headaches.

By Ron Johnson

In response to a Carlson Wagonlit survey of 6,000 business travellers who identified top travel stress triggers, Ignite polled a handful of experts for their solutions. Here they are:

Baggage
According to Porter Airlines' Brad Cicero, baggage issues arise at departure. He suggests checking in on time to allow baggage to reach the aircraft, include ID tags both outside and inside, use luggage that is in good condition and keep valuables, including keys and medication, in your carry-on.

Inconvenient Times
Referring to intercontinental routes, Tristan Lockie, managing director, Meritbiz, recommends that corporate travel managers pay close attention to departure and arrival schedules in different time zones, and provide transition tips to business travellers in advance. "Know it is coming," he says. "Prepare them for new time zones by suggesting healthy food, drink and sleep options."

No Internet
Bring-your-own-network (BYON) is the latest trend in keeping employees connected, says tech expert, author and TV host Marc Saltzman. "It operates through cellular connectivity and you are able to turn your phone into a Wi-Fi hot spot to enable a private and secure connection." Security is paramount, he adds, explaining that public Wi-Fi presents the risk of digital eavesdropping.

Delayed Flight
Time management expert Mark Ellwood suggests that CTMs equip travellers with the tools to work remotely, adding that having reading material, or long-term projects to work on, is a way of turning a negative into a positive.

Economy on Long-Haul Flights
Comfort on long-haul flights can vary with each carrier and plane—older 747s (worse) to new 777s (much better); planners and corporate travel managers should familiarize themselves with the different configurations. Travel writer Naomi Duguid suggests window seats, or for the long-legged, aisle seats are the way to go—avoid the sandwich seat at all costs.