American Express Offers Ways for Road Warriors to Save
Even the savviest of travelers needs a checklist, a way of making sure they’re set for the trip ahead. These days, that checklist can cover lots of territory and help you save some money.
American Express Business Travel (Web site: www.americanexpress.com/businesstravel) offers some things to consider before heading out the door. Here are a few of them:
- Double-check appointments before you leave. If you have to change plans, it’s going to cost you. Airlines are charging $150 and more for changes to your itinerary, and hotels are levying “no-show” fees upwards of $50;
- Pack light. Lots of airlines are charging for first and second checked bags, and overhead carry-on space can be scarce. If you’re on a longer trip, the cost of dry-cleaning and laundry could conceivably be cheaper than checking lots of extra luggage;
- Be flexible as to your airport. Case-in-point: New York Kennedy (JFK) vs. LaGuardia (LGA). The former may be close to Manhattan, but the best discounts may be found at JFK. A Cheapflights’ note: that’s where discount airline JetBlue’s prime hub is located;
- With the resurgence of minimum-stay requirements to get the lowest discount airfares, consider postponing your return stay until Sunday, perhaps even Monday. That can actually save you money.
A Cheapflights’ observation: Some hotels (especially the city-center variety) tend to be lots cheaper on weekends. Those savings can make up for the higher airfares carriers charge for flights on Fridays, when everybody wants to get back home. The bonus in all this is that staying over a Saturday night nets you a weekend mini-vacation.
© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler