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

When You Get Stuck At the Airport
38. Take a deep breath. Then head for a pay phone (or use your cell phone). While all the other passengers are waiting endlessly in line, you can be on the phone with your travel agent or with the airline itself. Note that even if you rebook through a travel agent or the airline's toll-free number, you'll still need to get your ticket validated at the original flight's gate.
39. If you're delayed by weather, airlines aren't required to compensate you. Under "Rule 240," airline employees may transfer your ticket to another carrier so you can catch the next available flight - but they don't have to. Politely explain your emergency and use the magic words, "Rule 240, please."
40. Use the wait to join an airline's airport club. None of the airlines we polled allow you to use the clubs on a onetime trial, or pay-per-use, basis but it can't hurt to ask. If you do travel a lot, for around $200 per year plus an application fee, you'll be able to wait in a quieter room with telephones, a ticket agent, and possibly showers.
41. For future reference: Nonstop flights, flights early in the day, and non-holiday weekends are least likely to be delayed.

If Your Only Laptop Battery Dies
42. In the airport, go to the bar. Look for a table near a wall outlet. It might not be quiet, but at least you'll have a table and a chair - not to mention a glass of whatever.
43. On the plane, visit the rest room. Most airplanes still have electric shaver outlets. Be sure to plug your AC adapter into your surge protector before jacking in.
44. On the train, try the club car or rest room shaver outlet, and use a surge protector. Trains are electric, and Amtrak warns about fluctuations.
45. On the road, and you don't have an auto adapter, stop at a diner for a cup of coffee. Sit in a wall booth, and ask before you plug in. Most restaurant owners will be happy to oblige.
46. Anywhere, remember to use a lithium-ion battery next time. They run longer, charge faster, and don't have the memory problems of the old-style NiCad. Also, use such power-saving strategies as loading software into RAM to avoid hard-disk access.

Protecting Your Stuff
47. If you must check luggage, wait at the counter until the conveyor takes your bags away. Watch to make sure the attendant or skycap puts the correct airport destination tags on your luggage (if you don't know the airport code, ask).
48. Be vigilant at airport screening stations. The guards are checking for weapons, not watching your bags. Be cautious of stalls and of people who jump in front of you after your luggage is on the X-ray conveyor. Sometimes the belt may be reversed to recheck a bag ahead of yours, so keep your eyes on your bags at all times.
49. In waiting rooms, always maintain physical contact with your luggage. Put briefcases securely between your legs. All it takes is a momentary distraction for someone to whisk a bag away.
50. If someone does take your bag, ask security for help. Keep your distance, but loudly say, "Excuse me, you have my bag." Mistakes do happen. In most cases, even a criminal will drop the bag.
51. If the airline has lost your luggage, file a claim immediately. Give an airline representative your itinerary, and ask for the bag(s) to be delivered to your hotel. Get a direct number at the airport and call frequently for progress reports.
52. If you misplaced your bags or suspect they were stolen, notify airport, train, and/or local police immediately. You'll need the police report number for your insurance claim.

At Your Destination
If you get where you're going in one piece, you're ahead of the game. But outdated hotel wiring can wreak havoc on computer equipment, and other mishaps can make you miserable when you're a stranger in town. Here's how to keep it all together.

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