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August 1-15, 1996
Tips, Tricks and Resources for Business Travel

Planes -
28. Get a copy of Air Travel Card's Business Travel Airport Directory, which contains practical information about business-related services available at the 50 busiest airports in the United States. Single copies of the new directory are free while supplies last, with additional copies available for a fee (800-222-4688).
29. For complete airline schedules, get an annual subscription to the monthly OAG Pocket Guide (Official Airline Guide, 800-323-3537; $89), or American Express's Sky Guide (800-678-6738; $65). Allow four weeks for the subscription to begin.
30. Most airlines have up-to-the-minute automated flight arrival and departure information. Call ahead to be certain your flight's on time. Keep the toll-free number in your address book, and write it on your ticket envelope for easy access.
31. Don't depend on the airlines for in-air modem connections. For example, although many airlines offer inflight phone and modem service, air-to-ground communications are frequently interrupted due to weather and other factors.
32. Air Canada Executive Class customers may be able to borrow IBM ThinkPad® 755CXs. The loaners (supplied on a first-come, first-served basis) come with two extra batteries, business software, games, and five floppy disks to save your work. All Air Canada seats have access to inflight communications, with easy-to-use modem jacks (800-776- 3000).

Trains -
33. Train travel went out with the horse and buggy, you say? Amtrak's Metroliner connects New York with Washington in three hours. New York to Boston takes four and a half hours. Now compare that with the time it takes to get to and from the airport, including check-in. You'll have more legroom too. Reserved Club Cars offer even more space, a meal, and possibly a power outlet for your notebook (Amtrak, 800-872-7245).
34. Not all trains have electric outlets. If you're going to depend on them, call the local train station to confirm availability.

- and Automobiles
35. When you're renting a car, decline collision coverage only if you're sure that your current automobile insurance or your credit card covers it. The Diners Club card's "primary collision coverage" will cover damage up to the full value of the car without contacting your auto insurance company (800-234-6377; $80 per year).
36. If your rental car has a built-in Global Positioning System and electronic mapping computer, you'll never get lost. Tap in your destination, and the four-inch screen will display a map, show directional arrows, and have a voice say, "Left turn ahead." Avis (800-331-1212; free) and Hertz (800-654-3131; $5 per day) offer the systems in 12 markets (including California and New York City); National Car Rental (800-328-4567; free) offers them only in Atlanta and Detroit. The equipped cars are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
37. As long as you're renting a car, consider reserving a cellular phone. You'll be able to make free 911 calls. Avis ($1.25 per minute) doesn't charge extra for a built-in phone with a credit card swipe option. Hertz is a bit more expensive with a daily rental fee plus charges approaching $2 per minute, but it offers portable phones. National offers portable phones in some areas with a $1.95 per minute rate and a three-minute per day minimum. Don't lose the phone-one National operator told us it could cost $800. On the Way Whoever said getting there was half the fun never got snowed in at O'Hare airport. Keeping a cool head and following these tips will make your journey a lot less stressful.

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