Most business travelers already know the basics. You pack fairly light so you only have carry-on baggage. Not only does this save time, it can save dollars as well since most airlines are charging for luggage now. Another given is to eliminate airport lay-overs where possible. This eliminates much of the possibility of being stranded or missing a connection. If you do need to connect a flight, most business people schedule the departing flight as closely as possible to arrival in order to save time. Lastly, you can participate in the new 'frequent travelers' pre-cleared security program and avoid long security lines. Unfortunately, the world of travel today means you must make additional decisions beyond these basics.

With the airlines reduced scheduling making connections and layovers more necessary now, it means you may not want or be able to try to schedule that 1 hour layover any more. Especially if you are traveling in the winter from any Eastern airport or overseas where a missed connection may mean you cannot travel for a couple more days. So what is a good strategy for travel today?

Firstly, join an airline club or lounge program where it includes free WI-FI access. This enables you to safely build in time in your itinerary so you can relax and still work if you have a 3 hour layover. The added benefit is if your inbound flight is late, you still have a 2 hour cushion to catch your connecting flight. Again, booking non-stop is preferable but sometimes meetings require a quick stop somewhere and a non-stop flight is not possible. The double advantage of the reserved lounge is that you can spread out your work and conduct business from your laptop and cell phone.

Never use the airlines baggage system. Just one time that they lose (even temporarily) your bags and your trip is ruined. And if you have to run from one concourse to another, there is nothing worse that waiting for your checked bag to appear. But, if you MUST check a bag, use the curbside check in wherever possible. This will speed you through check in and allow you to go straight to security. Ideally, you have an e-ticket and will check in at the gate, so carry ons are preferable to checked bags here too.

If you have to go through security, plan ahead. Put your phone, change, comb and any small items in your carry on. Don't waste time scooping up 38 cents in change plus paper clips, keys, notes, candy, medicines etc from the conveyor belt. Wear pants that don't fall to your feet when you have to take your belt off and wear slip on shoes instead of laced ones.

Make sure you mobile phone and laptop are fully charged. If you have a layover, use this time to re-charge them while you eat. These simple tips followed each time you travel will result in HOURS or saved time for you and as a businessperson, you know time is money!

David C. Reynolds is a longtime veteran of the Hotel business who offers common sense, money saving advice on how to find rooms, booking hotels as cheap as possible, travel and ground transportation tips, understanding reviews and occasional destination 'specials'. If you would like detailed information about reserving hotels as cheaply as possible, check out his e-book or MP3 at: http://www.cheaphotelforyou.com
To get details about his 50+ page travel tips e-book, go to his site: http://www.cheaphotelforyou.com/TravelTips.htm