Business travel is back: 5 tips for a smooth trip
Business owners and employees are back on the road and in the air. Here's how to make the most of your next trip.
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However, after such a long hiatus, it's likely a few of us have gotten a little rusty when it comes to making sure things run smoothly.
To help, we've partnered with American Express to bring you 5 tips to make your business travel more enjoyable.
1. Stay on top of COVID rules
Travel is well and truly back, but keep in mind that many airports and airlines still have COVID restrictions in place. For example, you might have to wear a mask in the airport or on the plane and you may have to show proof of vaccination.
If you're flying internationally, check the local restrictions. In some regions, you may be required to provide a negative COVID test before boarding. And if you have symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, you'll usually need to isolate – so it pays to plan ahead by checking policies and making flexible bookings.
2. Join a frequent flyer program
Make sure you're signed up to frequent flyer programs so you can earn points on the journeys you and your employees are making – then use them for travel or other rewards.
If you consistently fly with one airline, you'll soon find your points stacking up. There are also perks like lounge access if you reach Silver, Gold or Platinum membership status, and the Qantas Business Rewards program even offers savings of up to 10% on eligible Qantas flights.
Some rewards programs even go well beyond flight discounts and upgrades. For example, Qantas Points can also be redeemed for tech gadgets, home appliances, gift cards, magazine subscriptions and other rewards.
This could be a low-cost (or entirely cost-free) way to reward your employees, win over clients or even to treat yourself.
3. Consider a rewards card
If you like the idea of collecting frequent flyer points, you might want to consider a card which lets you earn reward points on purchases too – particularly travel.
For example, the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card earns 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday purchases and 0.5 points per $1 on government charges.
Use the card to buy Qantas products and services and you'll earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent.
These points are automatically transferred to your Qantas Business Rewards account, where you can redeem them for flights or transfer them to any Qantas Frequent Flyer account.
4. Get travel insurance
It doesn't matter if you're flying domestic or international, travel insurance is essential. If you fly frequently, it might be worth buying year-long coverage so you only have to think about it once every 12 months.
While lots of us don't get travel insurance for domestic trips, it can actually come in handy. Helping with everything from emergency accommodation through to financial compensation for lost luggage, travel insurance can prevent an unfortunate situation from turning into a disaster.
Again, if you're willing to cover the cost of travel insurance for your employees, this sends a strong signal that you're mindful of their welfare and want to look out for them.
Some business credit and charge cards also offer complimentary travel insurance. For example, the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card offers complimentary domestic and international travel insurance for you, your spouse and employee Card members when you use it to pay for your return trip. It does vary between cards, so ask your provider or check the complimentary insurance policy booklet to see what's possible.
5. Use a business or airport lounge
Finally, there's nothing worse than waiting hours in an airport and battling against unreliable Internet amid the chaos of travelling families with kids.
Head to a business lounge or airline lounge to enjoy high-speed Internet in comfortable surroundings. It's less stressful, you might be able to squeeze some extra work in and you're more likely to arrive at your destination refreshed.
Learn more about the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card
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