Business Travel Tips

As a busy professional you may have suddenly found yourself traveling more for business. It’s quite a different experience. On the front end of the trip, your focus is making your flight, getting to your destination and acing that client meeting. On the back end of the trip, all you can think about is getting home without delays. Long hours on the road can take a toll, but there are tricks to making travel seamless and if you take advantage of the right loyalty programs, your next business trip or even a dream vacation could possibly be on the house!

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As a busy professional you may have suddenly found to skip potentially long lines at the check-in counter yourself traveling more for business. It’s quite a different (assuming you are not checking your luggage) or even experience. On the front end of the trip, your focus is at the check-in kiosks on-site. making your flight, getting to your destination and acing • Check the cell phone service available at that client meeting. On the back end of the trip, all you your destination. This is especially important for can think about is getting home without delays. Long international travel when you may need to activate hours on the road can take a toll, but there are tricks to service for overseas coverage. making travel seamless and if you take advantage of the right loyalty programs, your next business trip or even a • Organize your wallet. You might consider purchasing dream vacation could possibly be on the house! a travel wallet which is specifically made to hold a pass, and driver’s license. Security Likely if you’ve hit road warrior status you may already lines will be less painful if all your travel documents are be aware of most of these tips. But if you’re not one who in one place and easily accessible. has racked up millions of travel miles yet, these tips may • Make documents easily accessible. Place all of your help you get on your way. important meeting documents onto your desktop and a flash drive. If an internet connection is unavailable Planning Your Trip you’ll still be able to access everything you need. • Sign up for frequent traveler programs. In many • Bring an empty envelope. Consider placing a cases, frequent flyer members have designated designated travel receipt envelope in your briefcase check-in lines and other perks. Consider registering for or purse. You’ll be surprised at how many receipts as many travel-related rewards programs as possible you’ll rack up during your travels – toll roads, taxis, (Ex., Fast Park’s Relax for Rewards, hotel and restaurants, and more! Keeping track of them when restaurant programs). you are on the road will make the expense report process go much faster once you get home. • Book early and find direct flights. While this may not always be possible, booking well in advance usually provides you with more departure and arrival At the Airport times from which to choose. A direct flight will save • Leave your car in worry-free parking. Choose a time and reduce the possibility of getting stuck in the Fast Park facility for reasonable rates and quick shuttle wrong city and missing your meeting. service. In addition, its Relax For Rewards loyalty • Avoid booking hotels in city centers. It is less program allows you to earn points for free parking, expensive and you can use public transportation or have 24/7 online access and express lane exiting. rent a car to get to your meetings. Enroll today! • If eligible, participate in the TSA Pre Check • Choose the right security line. Remember – shorter program. This program allows select frequent flyers lines aren’t always faster. Look for lines with a mix of of participating to receive expedited screening business and leisure travelers. A longer line of road benefits. Also visit the FastPark blog for more advice warrior business travelers (who know what they’re on: How to Get through the TSA Line Faster. doing) may move much faster than a shorter line of casually-dressed and carefree leisure travelers. For • Research the local hot spots before you depart. All more tips, visit our Flying Through work and no play makes for a very dull business trip. page. If time permits, research local activities or events and find out where the great restaurants are so you’re not • Find a VIP lounge. If you have a long layover, scrambling to find a great place to relax or eat at the research if there are private VIP rooms or lounges end of the day. available for frequent travelers or download a few apps ahead of time to make your layover more • Call ahead to the concierge. The ultimate insider, the enjoyable. concierge knows it all. Contact your hotel’s concierge ahead of your trip to share your itinerary. He or she can tweak your schedule, make or confirm dinner reservations or get tickets to a sold-out show.

Before You Leave Home • Check-in for your flight online. Checking in ahead of time before you leave your house may get you a better boarding group or seat. It may also allow you Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep Free Wi-Fi Get Connected With

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We’ve all been there — you’re standing in front of a pile • Purchase toiletries at your destination. You can of clothes, endless cords and tiny liquid bottles while usually find a nearby drug store that has all the items wondering how on earth you’re going to fit it all inside you need and you won’t have to worry about getting one suitcase. You certainly want to travel light for a liquids through the security line. business trip since typical trips last only a few days and • Store similar items in the same place. For example, you want to be able to move quickly from the plane to put all your cords in the same pocket so you’ll know your hotel to that first important meeting. exactly where to go for your laptop cord when you arrive to start your first meeting. We may not have perfected the art of packing but we’ve certainly traveled enough to offer some helpful tips that • Prepare for extended stay trips. If you’re on a may raise packing skills to expert level. particularly lengthy business venture you might come home on the weekends but return to the same hotel every week. Pack a duffle bag to hold any Fast Packing Tips non-essentials that you may not need at home on • Invest in a durable carry-on. For starters, high- the weekend - toiletries, gym shoes, etc. Your hotel quality durable carry-on luggage is a must. Investing concierge will be more than happy to check your duffle in a sturdy carry-on bag may cost a little more now but bag every Friday so you don’t have to transport those it will help you avoid the headache later when a cheap items back and forth each week. bag breaks as you run to catch a connecting flight. • Research if -checking your bag is an option. • Purchase “ugly” luggage. Okay, so maybe not Find out ahead of time if your flight is eligible for gate “ugly”, but definitely finding unique luggage is the check. This means you check your bag at the gate way to go. Most of us who own black, gray or brown right before you board and you pick up your bag luggage have to tie ribbon or some other sort of immediately after you deboard. You won’t have to fight identifier to the handle in order to distinguish it from for overhead bin space on the plane and when you the rest on the conveyer belt. However, investing in an land you’ll have the luxury of skipping the orange or lime green suitcase solves that problem in claim area entirely. an instant. No one will mistake your luggage for theirs and you’ll be on your way quickly. • Pack light. Remember a suit can be dressed up or down with different accessories or it can be broken down and worn with different items. Suit pants work with a button down or other dress shirt and a suit coat can be worn with jeans. Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep Free Wi-Fi Get Connected With

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At Fast Park, our brand promise is providing Peace • Take Advantage of Your Road Warrior Status: of Mind™. That means, getting you from your car to Many have dedicated lines for frequent the terminal as seamlessly as possible. Sometimes travelers and/or premium credit card members. For that may even involve a quick trip back to your car for example, American Express offers special lanes at a forgotten phone or providing you a little extra VIP some airports for its Platinum Card holders. Check service because of an unexpected traffic jam that now your credit card and rewards to see if you has you running late. It happens! Whatever the case qualify for these programs. Keep in mind if you’re may be your Peace of Mind is our priority and our a newbie traveler, you may not yet qualify for this number one goal is to ensure you make it to the airport service, but after just a few trips, you’ll be on your way as quickly as possible. to road warrior status.

Once you step off our shuttle and into the airport, TSA Pre-Check however, your trip can easily come to a screeching halt at the security line. Never fear! There are things you To make flying easier for business travelers, the TSA can do to improve your chances of getting through the instituted a program called Pre-Check Expedited line faster and without headache. Take a look at these Screening. This program is open to frequent travelers helpful tips and plan ahead for a smooth flight: or members of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Trusted Traveler Programs. Travelers who qualify • Be smart about what you wear. Try to wear slip-on for Pre-Check no longer need to remove their shoes, shoes and skip the metal accessories. Avoid wearing liquids, laptop, outerwear or belt. Here is what you need too many layers and always take off your jacket while to know: you are waiting to be screened. • Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air • Buy the right laptop bag. You no longer have to Lines, and US Airways will contact remove your laptop if you put it in a bag that gives passengers who qualify for this program. When screeners an unobstructed image of the device. With travelers opt-in, they will see the Pre-Check logo a sleeve style bag, your laptop can stay put and you printed on their boarding passes. can breeze through the metal detector. • Don’t travel during peak times. If you can, try to For more tips and information be sure to visit the Fast Park avoid traveling from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 blog post: How to Get Through the TSA Line Faster p.m. to 7:30 p.m. However, keep in mind that during holidays, spring break season and special sporting events, you may see longer lines no matter what time you travel. • Be prepared. If you are a traveling pro, you are likely aware of most of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) rules. This includes the 3-1- 1 rule for transporting liquids (3.4 ounce bottle; 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger). To review all TSA traveling rules consult the organization’s website. • Pick the right line. Shorter lines do not always mean faster lines! A long line filled with seasoned business travelers will likely move faster than a shorter line of leisure travelers. The Art of Packing Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep Free Wi-Fi Get Connected With

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As a busy traveler, you’re likely juggling a lot — at home Paid Apps: and the office. Fortunately there are a number of online travel resources that can help you get organized, find Call a Taxi: ($1.99) In two clicks, you’ll be talking to the great deals, keep track of your schedule and even assist closest taxi company to your current location. The app with translations needed in a foreign country. works whenever you need it — wherever you are in the world. So how do you decide which apps are right for you? We’ve done a little research to help get you started. City Maps 2Go: ($0.99) Interactive offline map plus Take a look at these free and fee-based apps that will Wikipedia travel guides for the whole world, including help keep your travel needs in check. The only thing unlimited map downloads. No data roaming or Wi-Fi they won’t do is run your meeting for you — although we required. wouldn’t be surprise if there’s an app for that too! Flight Status: ($4.99) Check flight delays, arrival and Free Apps: departure terminal and gate numbers, baggage claim information and much more. Receive notifications on AwardWallet: AwardWallet keeps track of loyalty flight delays and terminal changes. programs you participate in, such as frequent flyer miles perfect trip! Travel FX: ($4.99) Designed specifically for the international traveler, Travel FX is the perfect traveling Expensify: Expensify automates your expense companion. It features foreign currency exchange rate reporting. Sync the app with your credit cards to track tracking, dual mode calculators for currency exchange purchases as they happen. Pull in eReceipts and digital and spending, and notebooks for record keeping. copies of paper receipts for purchases less than $75. *Prices may change or vary depending on the device GateGuru: GateGuru provides real-time flight status used. Not every app is available for Android and iPhone with push notifications along with a wealth of airport devices. Please check your app store for more information. content specifically customized to your itinerary. Information on the apps listed above has been provided by the manufacturer. Fast Park has attempted to test some of these apps, but travelers should use best judgment in downloading Google Translate: Translate words and phrases among and utilizing these apps. more than 60 languages. For most languages, you can speak your phrases and hear the corresponding translations.

Kayak: This app includes flight and car search, hotel search and booking, flight tracker and My Trips so you have your full itinerary at your fingertips.

SeatGuru: Find low airfares, pick your ideal seat on the plane and get real-time flight alerts.

Taxi Magic: Book your taxi electronically, track its arrival and pay with your credit card. Flying Through Airport Security The Art of Packing Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep

TripAdvisor: Millions of traveler reviews, photos and maps from TripAdvisor. Plan and have your perfect trip!

TripIt: Get peace of mind while traveling by having all your plans in one place. Forward all your confirmation emails to [email protected] and the app will create one itinerary. TripIt Pro is available for $49/year.

WiFi Finder: Instantly find free Wi-Fi Internet hotspots wherever you are in the world online or offline. The app uses your iPhone’s GPS to locate free Wi-Fi Internet access. Get Connected With Free Wi-Fi Free Wi-Fi Get Connected With

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Wi-Fi is essential for any business traveler. And FREE • Oakland - Oakland Wi-Fi is even better! Although this is the age of the • Sacramento International Airport - Sacramento smartphone, sometimes we still need to boot up our computer to read a document or an email. • San Diego International Airport - San Diego • Mineta San Jose International Airport - San Jose We’ve included a list of airports that offer free Wi-Fi. Be sure to check ahead on the airport’s website to verify this service is available before you leave.* Beware of Colorado any public Wi-Fi network as it may be an unsecure • Colorado Springs Airport - Colorado Springs connection. • Denver International Airport - Denver *List was developed and is accurate as of July 2013. Connecticut Alabama • Bradley International Airport - Windsor Locks • Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport - Birmingham Florida • Huntsville Airport - Huntsville • Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport - Ft. Lauderdale • Mobile Regional Airport - Mobile • Southwest Florida International Airport - Ft. Meyers • Montgomery Regional Airport - Montgomery • Key West International Airport - Key West Alaska • Melbourne International Airport - Melbourne • Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport - • Orlando International Airport - Orlando Anchorage • Palm Beach International Airport - Palm Beach • Fairbanks International Airport - Fairbanks • Tampa International Airport - West Palm Beach • Ketchikan International Airport - Ketchikan Georgia Arizona • Augusta Regional Airport - Augusta • Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport - Phoenix • Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport - • Tucson International Airport - Tucson Savannah • Yuma International Airport - Yuma Idaho Arkansas • Boise Airport - Boise • Fort Smith Regional Airport - Fort Smith • Nez Perce County Regional Airport - Lewiston • Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport - Little Rock Illinois Apps to Keep You Moving Flying Through Airport Security The Art of Packing Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep • Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport - Bentonville

i-F i • Central Illinois Regional Airport - Bloomington/Normal California • Quad City International Airport - Moline • Bob Hope Airport - Burbank • Greater Peoria Regional Airport - Peoria • Fresno Yosemite International Airport - Fresno • John Wayne Airport - Irvine Indiana • Evansville Regional Airport - Evansville • Long Beach Airport - Long Beach • Fort Wayne International Airport - Fort Wayne • Los Angeles International Airport (Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge) - Los Angeles • Indianapolis International Airport - Indianapolis Get Connected With Free W Get Connected With

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Iowa Mississippi • Eastern Iowa Airport - Cedar Rapids • Golden Triangle Regional Airport - Columbus • Dubuque Regional Airport - Dubuque • Gulfport/Biloxi International Airport - Gulfport • Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport - Jackson • Hays Regional Airport - Hays • Meridian Regional Airport - Meridian • Wichita Mid-Continent Airport - Wichita • Tupelo Regional Airport - Tupelo

Kentucky Missouri • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport - • Columbia Regional Airport - Columbia Hebron • Kansas City International Airport - Kansas City Louisiana • Lafayette Regional Airport - Lafayette • Great Falls International Airport - Great Falls • Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport - New Orleans • Helena Regional Airport - Helena • Shreveport Regional Airport - Shreveport • Missoula International Airport - Missoula

Maine Nebraska • Bangor International Airport - Bangor • Central Nebraska Regional Airport - Grand Island • Portland International Airport - Portland Nevada Maryland • McCarran International Airport - Las Vegas • Baltimore-Washington International Airport - Baltimore • Reno-Tahoe International Airport - Reno

Massachusetts New Hampshire • Logan International Airport - Boston • Manchester-Boston Regional Airport - Manchester

Michigan New Mexico • Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport - Detroit • Albuquerque International Sunport Airport - Albuquerque • Bishop International Airport - Flint • Gerald R. Ford International Airport - Grand Rapids New York Apps to Keep You Moving Flying Through Airport Security The Art of Packing Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep • Sawyer International Airport - Marquette • Albany International Airport - Albany i-F i • Pellston Regional Airport - Pellston • Elmira/Corning Regional Airport - Elmira • JFK (JetBlue Airways, Terminal 5) - Queens Minnesota • Ithaca Tompkins County Regional Airport - Ithaca • Duluth International Airport - Duluth • Syracuse Hancock International Airport - Syracuse • Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport - Minneapolis North Carolina • Greater Rochester International Airport - Rochester • Charlotte Douglas International Airport - Charlotte • Wilmington International Airport - Wilmington Get Connected With Free W Get Connected With

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North Dakota Texas • Hector International Airport - Fargo • Rick Husband Amarillo International Airport - Amarillo • Brownsville-South Padre Island International Airport - Ohio Brownsville • Cleveland Hopkins International Airport - Cleveland • Corpus Christi International Airport - Corpus Christi • Port Columbus International Airport - Columbus • Valley International Airport - Harlingen • Dayton International Airport - Dayton • George Bush Intercontinental Airport - Houston • Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport - Vienna • William P. Hobby Airport - Houston • Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Airport - Killeen Oklahoma • East Texas Regional Airport - Longview • Tulsa International Airport - Tulsa • McAllen-Miller International Airport - McAllen Oregon • San Antonio International Airport - San Antonio • Rogue Valley International-Medford Airport - Medford Utah • Southwest Oregon Regional Airport - North Bend • Salt Lake City International Airport - Salt Lake City • Portland International Airport - Portland Vermont Pennsylvania • Burlington International Airport - South Burlington • Erie International Airport - Erie • Harrisburg International Airport - Harrisburg Virginia • Philadelphia International Airport - Philadelphia • Lynchburg Regional Airport - Lynchburg • Pittsburgh International Airport - Pittsburgh • Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport - Weyers Cave

North Carolina Washington • Charlotte-Douglas International Airport - Charlotte • Bellingham International Airport - Bellingham • Fayetteville Regional Airport - Fayetteville • Seattle-Tacoma International Airport - Seattle • GEG Spokane International Airport - Spokane Rhode Island • T.F. Green Airport - Providence/Warwick West Virginia • Yeager Airport - Charleston South Carolina

Apps to Keep You Moving Flying Through Airport Security The Art of Packing Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep • Florence Regional Airport - Florence Wisconsin i-F i • Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport - Greer • Outagamie County Regional Airport - Appleton • Austin Straubel International Airport - Green Bay South Dakota • Aberdeen Regional Airport - Aberdeen Wyoming • Sioux Falls Regional Airport - Sioux Falls • Casper-Natrona County International Airport - Casper • Cheyenne Regional Airport - Cheyenne Tennessee • Tri-Cities Regional Airport - Blountville Get Connected With Free W Get Connected With

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We hope you found these tips helpful as you prepare for your next business trip. At Fast Park, our professional staff and reliable shuttle service allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy your quick ride to the terminal. Don’t forget to enroll in our complimentary Relax for Rewards program for a ticketless entry process and earn points for free days and weeks of parking. Apps to Keep You Moving Flying Through Airport Security The Art of Packing Business Travel 101 Art of Packing Business Travel Airport Security The Moving Flying Through You Apps to Keep i-F i Get Connected With Free W Get Connected With

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