Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008 - (Page 27)

checkpoint delays, computer malfunctions, late-arriving shuttle buses and other airport logistical problems aren’t uncommon. “I normally tell my guests to get to the airport a minimum of 2½ hours early for a domestic flight and 3½ to four hours early for an international flight,” says Duncan. Tell clients to write down the lot number, color code and row number for their parked car and put that in their wallet. It’s common to see travelers with luggage in tow roaming through airport parking lots in search of “lost cars.” If clients are among the first passengers at flight check-in, they’ll have a good chance of adjusting their seat. Arriving early is crucial if the flight is heavily booked and the client was unable to get a seat assignment at booking. Wheelchair-assist passengers should also arrive early. Advise clients not to linger in the main terminal. Instead, head through the security checkpoint immediately after check- in. Then relax at the gate with a cup of coffee or a good book.“Knowing you have padded your travel time with an adequate cushion at least takes the panic factor out of, ‘Will I get through this line in time to make my flight?’” says Duncan. In addition, be sure to tell clients about the latest TSA rules on what items are permitted through the checkpoint. “I give my clients a list to go by just to make sure they are not held up at the airport,” says Haze. Advise clients to put their medicines, camera, video equipment, jewelry and a change of clothing in a carry-on, not in their checked luggage. Haze also tells clients to watch their personal items go through the screening machine before they enter the metal detector. That helps avoid items from being snatched on the main terminal side. “For guests flying, I recommend they bring their own headsets for the in-flight entertainment systems and some reading materials,” says Duncan. She also suggests bringing a packaged snack to eat onboard the flight or, alternatively, to purchase a snack onboard, if that’s offered. On the Road For road trips, Duncan says clients should start in the wee hours of the morning. “Yes, before the sun comes up is preferable, say 2 a.m. or 3 a.m.,” she stresses. “By doing that, if they are planning on driving to a destination that is six to eight hours normally, they will then arrive midmorning or early afternoon, and avoid high-traffic times.” The cooler morning temperatures also help with better gas mileage as less fuel evaporates. Fisher advises clients to “check air in the tires, as it saves gas.” Other agents advocate using cruise control and driving at a lower speed for optimum mileage. And “when driving overseas, pay attention to where you are,” notes Haze. “If you wouldn’t go down that road at home, don’t go down that road in a HB foreign country.” Ever ask yourself which host agency is right for you? We can help build pro tability. If you: • Aspire to experience higher levels of pro tability and growth … • Want to eliminate the cost and hassles of back-o ce accounting … • Desire to remain independent, but want the clout of a multi-billion dollar company behind you … • Are an experienced travel professional … … then you ARE Nexion! Contact us today so you can be where you belong! 800 747 6813 | sales@nexion.com | www.nexion.com Pro tability Productivity People Promotions Nexion, the Nexion logo, Sabre Travel Network and Sabre are trademarks and/or service marks of an afﬁliate of Sabre Holdings Corporation. All other trademarks, service marks and trade names are owned by their respective companies. © 2008 Nexion Inc. All rights reserved. CST# 2071045-50 JULY/AUGUST 2008 Home-BasedTravelAgent 27 http://www.nexion.com http://www.nexion.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

Home Based Travel Agent - July 2008 Contents Editor's Note Publisher's Note Your Lifeline Agent Spotlight New Technology Industry News Hot Deals Tips for a Smooth Trip Agent Symposium Hotels For the Traveler - Destinations - Mexico For the Agent - Destinations - Mexico For the Traveler - Destinations - Dubai For the Agent - Destinations - Dubai Thailand For the Traveler - Cruise For the Agent - Cruise For the Traveler - Tours For the Agent - Tours New Products

Home-Based Travel Agent - July 2008

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