Logic is often suspended by travelers. I am not talking about complex ideas, I'm talking about basic, connect-the-dots stuff.
My favorite examples of this are people who scream at gate agents when they don't get what they want. For starters, this makes no sense because you are alienating the one person who may have a shot at resolving your issue. The notion that belittling them as if they were your indentured servant is completely illogical. Secondly, most of the time the issue is beyond anyone's control. This is not always the case, but things like weather, for example, are likely out of the control of that gate agent. Explaining to Miranda at Gate C7 that, regardless of the thunderstorms centered around Memphis, you "have to get there because it is her wedding" doesn't change a thing. In fact, the slow, higher volume emphasis on the "key words" is not so much insulting to Miranda as it is a pitiful display for the traveler.
The trickier ones involve seats, and often, upgrades. Some people get downright hostile when it comes to the free drink or extra space associated with the first class upgrade. Again, yelling at the person who can actually call the shots seems to be self-defeating. I can usually spot the more seasoned traveler by the one befriending the gate agent, and showing a sincere appreciation for a given dilemma. In the end, it's usually these people who win out.
It turns out gate agents are actually people. And by my careful observations, almost none of them respond well to being yelled at, especially for things completely beyond their control. If you are one of the people yelling at them, I can tell you two things with certainty. First, it will hurt you, not help you, in getting what you want. And second, you look like an idiot doing it. So don't.
Safe travels.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Welcome to my business travel journal
I have traveled my entire career (which is longer than I’d care to admit). I won't say I am an expert traveler, but I am okay. If you do it as much as I have, you pick up on a few things along the way.
The most important of those things—the golden rule of traveling, so to speak—is to be the kind of traveler that you wouldn't mind being around. We’ve all sat next to the person who spends the whole flight whistling Mama Mia. You know how congested the tube in London is at afternoon rush hour, and how bad it is to be next to the guy in the tank top, yet to discover deodorant. And Airline terminals are crowded enough without Aunt Betty’s “welcome home” party filling the width of the exit hallway. In short: travel courtesy is very important.
I’d also like to share some basic tips, things that aren’t covered by the ‘golden rule’. I never check bags if I don’t absolutely have to. Skis and golf clubs are not going to fit in the little bin, right? (Fortunately for me, I am terrible at both and don't feel the need to travel with either. In fact, I tend to be skeptical of people who need their golf clubs or skis on business travel, but that's another discussion.) There are thousands of little ideas to make a trip quicker, cheaper, more comfortable, etc. I plan on using this site to explore those ideas.
Lastly, I want to comment on the travel industry and its various players. This includes the basics: airlines, hotels, and rental agencies—but I also want to talk about online services, iPhone or iPad apps, even public transportation. I will always try to be fair in both commendation and criticism.
On that note, while not perfect, Porter Airlines is a great thing. If you travel to Toronto, I highly recommend giving them a try. They fly right into Island Airport instead of going out to Pearson, so you are basically right downtown.
My plan is to post at least once a week. I’m hoping to learn from feedback as well. Loads of people have a ton of travel experience, so this can be fun, probably funny, and mutually beneficial.
Safe Travels.
The most important of those things—the golden rule of traveling, so to speak—is to be the kind of traveler that you wouldn't mind being around. We’ve all sat next to the person who spends the whole flight whistling Mama Mia. You know how congested the tube in London is at afternoon rush hour, and how bad it is to be next to the guy in the tank top, yet to discover deodorant. And Airline terminals are crowded enough without Aunt Betty’s “welcome home” party filling the width of the exit hallway. In short: travel courtesy is very important.
I’d also like to share some basic tips, things that aren’t covered by the ‘golden rule’. I never check bags if I don’t absolutely have to. Skis and golf clubs are not going to fit in the little bin, right? (Fortunately for me, I am terrible at both and don't feel the need to travel with either. In fact, I tend to be skeptical of people who need their golf clubs or skis on business travel, but that's another discussion.) There are thousands of little ideas to make a trip quicker, cheaper, more comfortable, etc. I plan on using this site to explore those ideas.
Lastly, I want to comment on the travel industry and its various players. This includes the basics: airlines, hotels, and rental agencies—but I also want to talk about online services, iPhone or iPad apps, even public transportation. I will always try to be fair in both commendation and criticism.
On that note, while not perfect, Porter Airlines is a great thing. If you travel to Toronto, I highly recommend giving them a try. They fly right into Island Airport instead of going out to Pearson, so you are basically right downtown.
My plan is to post at least once a week. I’m hoping to learn from feedback as well. Loads of people have a ton of travel experience, so this can be fun, probably funny, and mutually beneficial.
Safe Travels.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)