While this might sound like a horror scenario, it’s not that far from reality in today’s world of overbooked flights and tight aircraft configurations that are dictated by the airline company bean counters. Getting stuck in a knee-crunching middle seat that’s better suited to a nine-year-old is a very real concern.
With a little advance planning you can:
1. Know the best seats on the aircraft you’re booked on.
2. Choose the best days to travel to avoid seat-crunch.
3. Use your frequent flyer status to get a better seat.
4. Get advice from the experts.
5. Work with a travel agency that has seat-search software.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Check the aircraft seat configuration
When it comes to seat assignments, knowing your options is critically important. There are Web sites that will tell you everything you want to know about specific seats on virtually every type of aircraft, including which seats to avoid.I recommend: Before you make your reservation check seating charts on SeatGuru.com, SeatExpert.com, or the seat maps at the OAG (Official Airline Guide) Web site.
Tap into benefits for frequent flyers
Join a couple of frequent flyer programs if you don’t already belong. Pledge your loyalty to just a few airlines, those that fly the most extensive routes AND go where YOU need to go. Your ever-increasing mileage status will help move you into the “reserved” zone at the front of the aircraft or get those preferred seats for free that others must pay for.I recommend: Check out airport websites for your primary departure and destination cities---who flies in and out, and how often? Visit the airline websites of the airlines best suited for you and join their frequent flyer programs. As you rack up the mileage, you’ll improve your chances of getting a better seat too.
Take advantage of the perks of airline “soft dollar” programs
Look into your preferred airlines’ business perks programs specially designed for small-and midsize businesses. One of the big benefits is the upgrade certificates you’ll earn; use them to move out of “crunch zone” into an economy-plus, business or first class seat. Important note! By enrolling in both a frequent flyer program and a business perks program, you’ll earn points/miles both places.I recommend: Most airlines offer benefits to business travelers. United Airlines does it through its “PerksPlus” program. Look for Northwest’s BizPerks, Delta’s SkyBonus, American’s Business ExtrAA, Continental’s RewardOne. The discount carriers do it too: check out AirTran’s a2B, Frontier’s Business Travel Program (BTP) and JetBlue’s TrueBlue frequent flyer program.
Be smart about the best days to travel
All days of the week are not created equal when it comes to business travel. Depending on the routes you most typically travel, there are times of the day and entire days to avoid because aircraft are crammed with other business travelers like you.I recommend: For speedy air searches, use SideStep, Kayak, and Mobissimo (rated best for international carriers). Check the airline Web sites too for Internet-only specials in business and first class.
Listen to the experts
There are frequent business travelers and Web sites that will share their upgrade tricks and better-grade-of-service deals with you, usually for the price of a subscription to their newsletter.I recommend: Subscribe to First class Flyer by upgrade guru Matthew J. Bennett. Check out the e-mail alert newsletter at Cheap Flights. Log on to Flyer Talk to get advice from other travelers.
Use a travel agency that uses seat-search software
Consider turning your travel management program over to a business travel agency that has sophisticated seat assignment technology.I recommend: Use the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) site to narrow down your search for a business travel agent. At the NBTA (National Business Travel Association)’s website, look for business travel agencies among the state-by-state list of Allied Members.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- If you have scheduling flexibility, try to avoid early morning flights between major business destinations.
- Consider using your accumulated air miles for upgrades to a better class of service instead of free tickets.
- Try to avoid flying on Region Jets (they often carry the RJ designation). There’s only one class of service on most and the seats are far from roomy.
- Go for the upgrade as early as possible. Know how far in advance your airline allows you to call in for upgrades, and then get on the phone as soon as you’re eligible.
- If economy class is your only option, get to the airport early and ask to be assigned to an exit row seat.
- Bulkhead seats in the first row of economy class are a good choice too, but you won’t have a seat in front of you to stash stuff under.
- Try to avoid seats at the back of the plane. If that’s your only option, scope out empty seats ahead of you and the moment the cabin door closes, move up within your class of service.
- If you’re not happy with the seat you’re assigned at the time of booking, ask to be wait-listed for a better seat. This is where a travel agent with robotic seat-search software can be a lifesaver.
Business Travel: Virgin America
Grab a Seat. With Fleetwide WiFi and Power Outlets at Every Seat, Virgin America is Your Office in the Sky.
www.VirginAmerica.com
Grab a Seat. With Fleetwide WiFi and Power Outlets at Every Seat, Virgin America is Your Office in the Sky.
www.VirginAmerica.com
U.S. Bank® Flexperks
New Way To Earn Rewards With More Than 150 Airlines, No Blackout Dates and No Redemption Fees! Experience New FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa®.
www.FlexPerks.com
New Way To Earn Rewards With More Than 150 Airlines, No Blackout Dates and No Redemption Fees! Experience New FlexPerks Travel Rewards Visa®.
www.FlexPerks.com
American Express OPEN®
Earn Miles for Travel with a Card for Business Expenses. Learn More.
www.AmericanExpress.com/Business
Earn Miles for Travel with a Card for Business Expenses. Learn More.
www.AmericanExpress.com/Business
AT&T Business Solutions
The Information You Need to Start, Manage, Move & Grow Your Business.
www.att.com
The Information You Need to Start, Manage, Move & Grow Your Business.
www.att.com
Free B2B search marketing whitepaper, B2B Search Marketing Strategy Guide: Advice From the Pros.
