Polite And Prepared
April Nagel explains how to make business travel a bit less stressful.
April Fawcett Nagel
November 19, 2008
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A
n important part of doing business is conducting yourself in an appropriate manner, and
traveling is no exception, whether it's business or personal.
With the holiday season upon us and passengers packed into airports and planes, delays are inevitable and tempers start flaring. It can be a challenge to stay patient and maintain your manners, but during these busy times it is crucial to remember that everyone is going to get to the same place at the same time. The best way to alleviate this stress is to take a deep breath, be prepared and keep an attitude of cooperation.
It is always polite to assist someone with luggage if necessary, or to move so that travelers can sit with companions. Once seated, share your space and arm rests, and try not to get up to use the restroom when your seat mate is fast asleep or just settled down with a tray of food.
If you are next to a super chatty traveler and you do not want to talk, it is not rude to simply say, "Please don't take offense but I've been waiting all day to read this article." And if you are the chatty traveler, be open to the subtle signs that someone wants to be left alone. If a meal is served and you are both eating, however, it is polite to participate in some light conversation.
Whether you are traveling internationally or domestically, I think polished dress is extremely important. On domestic flights that are only a few hours long, dress in clean, well-pressed, conservative clothing. Remember that the airplane may be cold, so bring a sweater or a wrap. If traveling internationally, comfort is more important, but you can still dress fashionably. I like to wear dark stretchy pants and pack layers in my carry-on, including a clean shirt to change into the next morning before exiting the plane.
When packing a suitcase, roll clothes and pack items inside of shoes. Put your hanging clothes in plastic dry cleaning bags to keep the wrinkles out. Keep a toiletry bag packed with travel sizes of your everyday essentials. Keep a packing check-list that includes essentials like phone chargers, make-up, socks, etc.
I always travel with a large stash of American one and five dollar bills. You know you will have to tip, doormen, bellhops, valet, etc., so be prepared. The concierge at any hotel should be tipped a minimum of $5 for making a reservation, and more for scoring tickets or other services. I was taught to tip up front, because it ensures better service. Many people forget to tip the hotel maids, so I like to leave a daily tip on the dresser with a note saying, "Maids, thank you."
If you are unhappy about something in your hotel, start at the lowest level first. Call the front desk and move up from there. Like anything, be nice but firm. Don't always wait for them to suggest a solution; instead you can suggest something like, "It might be best if I moved rooms," or "Perhaps you could discount." If you truly believe your bad experience was not handled appropriately, write a letter or email to the corporate offices upon returning home. I once received a certificate for a free future stay.
Like it or not, travel has changed dramatically over the years, and today it is geared towards the masses. Things will (and do) go wrong, so traveling with a realistic attitude is key. Many factors can control whether a flight is on time or has available seating, so be patient, be prepared and be polite. Everyone wants the same thing ... to get from point A to point B in the most pleasant way possible. Traveling with good etiquette will only ensure a successful venture...in business, through the holidays, or any other time.
As CEO of firstPRO Staffing and Executive Search, April Fawcett Nagel is the powerhouse behind one of the largest privately owned staffing and executive search firms in the United States. Since 1986, she has built this top female-run business in Atlanta – she began with just five employees; now she manages 125. With offices in both Atlanta and Philadelphia, firstPROspecializes in attracting, placing and retaining the most talented individuals in their specialized fields.
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