Problems You Face During Business Travel (With Their Solution)
Has your company asked you to travel to see clients at distinct locations? Well, this is definitely a great opportunity to build new relationship. There are stats stating that face-to-face meetings are 34 times more powerful when compared to remote, text-based conversations.
With the world becoming smaller and corporate traveling gaining momentum, around $1.3 trillion was spent on global business travel in 2017. However, you need to understand that business traveling is a challenging task in itself. Reason is quite simple; the industry has been on an upward trend for the past several years. With an increase in number of travelers, there has been observed an increase in number of problems too. Thanks to global uncertainty that these problems are becoming more frequent and complex.
Whether it is your first business tour or you have been through it earlier, anticipating the below states issues can ensure that your corporate trips go smoother.
1. The flight gets overbooked: You might not believe it, but thousands of air travelers are forced to give up their seats. Yes, overbooking a flight is possible and fairly common among airlines. As airline companies want to ensure that each of their flights is filled to maximum capacity, the calculation is done assuming that a certain number of passengers won't show up. For this, they sell extra tickets for compensation. Now the problem arises when everyone shows up. As there will be limited seats, the flight attendant will ask passengers voluntarily. In exchanges of the same they are offered a travel voucher. In case, no one volunteers, chances for you being denied of boarding get higher. As far as the compensation is concerned, it will depend on the situation, airline, and country.
What to do?
To avoid getting bumped, make sure you check-in and arrive early at the gate. Having an airline credit card or being a part of their rewards program can also be helpful.
2. A delayed flight:Time is precious, and it turns more crucial in the corporate world. Similar to overbooking, chances of delay are also alarming. However, in this case there's no compensation if your flight is delayed. It might sound to be frustrating, but weather or engine problems are unpredictable and it isn't something that can be helped.
What to do?
Simplest thing you do is schedule your flights with a long layover. Thus, if one of them is delayed, you don’t need to struggle for reaching destination on time. Try to go for non-stop or early departure flights.
3. Missing a flight: Even if you reach the airport on time, there are chances for you to miss the flight. How? What if you get stuck in the luggage checking section? Might be you aren’t aware of some items which were recently been banned in hand luggage. Generally, the rule is to follow 3-1-1 code;
Not to put liquid holding in more than 3 ounces containers
Put all the toiletries in 1
Keep 1 quart size zip lock bag
However, there can be changes in these standard rules depending on the security levels.
What to do?
It is important to stay updated with the government carry-on restrictions. You must do the homework related to your moves when you are traveling for business. Spending a few minutes on your smart phone can save you.
4. Unavailability of transportation medium:Traveling to another city that is unfamiliar can be stressful. Neither you are aware of the routes nor are you known to the traffic conditions. And what if you forget you identification form at home?It will be impossible for you to rent a car.
What to do?
The answer is with hiring private shuttle services. Relying on a professional shuttle service provider facilitates you with enough time to catch up on your emails, relax, and prepare well for the meeting or event.
5. A lost passport: What can be more stressful than losing your passport? This can happen for any reason or just no reason.
What to do?
First and foremost, file a missing ID report with the police department. Next contact with the Embassy and ask for help. You should always be travel prepared and keep all your important documents with you in digital form. Having the same will make it a lot easier for you prove your identity.
6. Lost or delayed luggage: In case of delay, you can file a report with the airline immediately. It might take anywhere from few hours to a few days to reach you. But if you have lost it completely or when your airline loses your bag, you need to write a claim for everything it carried.
What to do?
You can avoid your luggage getting delayed and/or lost by tagging it with a copy of your itinerary and contact info.
Next time you travel for business, keep these problems and their solutions in mind. So that whatever comes your way, no challenge derails your business plans.
