Sixteen need to know business travel hacks

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Take note, you'll be glad that you did:

1. To the left

Most people use their right hand, so they are more likely to go right. When queueing at security checkpoints and check-in gates, turn left and you'll find yourself in the shortest queue.

2. Bumpy ride

If you're frightened of turbulence, choose a morning flight. Turbulence is mainly an afternoon and evening occurrence. Also, all seats are not created equal. Choose a seat over the aircraft's wings (nearest to its centre of gravity) to minimise the impact of turbulence.

3. Be upstanding

Does your wheelie bag keep falling over? When packing, put the heaviest items at the bottom. Problem solved.

4. In the bag

Do you travel to the same city time and time again? And stay in the same motel or BnB time and time again? Ask management if you can leave behind a small bag containing necessities for your next visit. It will save you space in your luggage on your next trip.

5. Oh, the jetlag!

Jetlagged? Here are a few great tips: steer clear of alcohol and caffeine 24 hours before your trip. They dehydrate you and make jet lag much worse. Stay well hydrated on the plane by reaching for water - avoid alcohol and caffeine where possible. Also, when you choose your seat on the aircraft, choose one on the non-sunny side to make sleeping easier. Sleep for the duration of the flight in accordance with the time at your destination. Once at your destination try and stick to meal times in accordance with the local time. If you need a nap, keep it brief - no more than two hours.

6. Expense savvy

Stash an envelope in your carry pack and use it for keeping all your receipts in one place. This way, completing expense claim forms when you're back home is quick and easy.

7. Dirty laundry

Take along a few empty plastic shopping bags for dirty laundry so that your clean clothes stay clean and smelling fresh on the homeward trip.

8. Don't do it yourself

Using a central point of contact saves you time and takes the hassle out faffing around organising your own flights, accommodation and so on. A dedicated travel expert will make sure your business travel is seamless, efficient and does not cost you one cent more than it absolutely has to. He or she will also be a whizz at managing your loyalty miles and foreign exchange (if you need it) 24 hours a day.

9. Soft copy

Email all-important documentation to yourself before you leave home. This way you will always have access to digital copies of important documents, no matter where in the world you are.

10. Stick up

Stick "Fragile" stickers on your baggage so it's handled with care by baggage handlers. Do this even if there's nothing fragile in your bag.

11. Coin it

Always carry enough cash on you for miscellaneous expenses: taxi rides, snacks and gratuities, for example.

12. Midweek crowd break

Wednesday is the best day to fly if you want to avoid the crowds. The busiest time for flights is Thursday through Monday. Aircraft are not as full on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as they are on other days of the week.

13. Early bird

If you hate being delayed, try to get onto an early flight. Flights later in the day are more often delayed than early-morning flights.

14. Coming and going

Need a taxi cab in a hurry? Avoid the crowds at arrivals and head off to departures, where taxis are dropping people off at the airport. It's much quicker and easier to flag one down there.

15. Charge it

Carry a battery pack in your hand luggage for your phone, tablet and other devices so you arrive at your destination fully charged and connected.

16. Same old, same old saves money

Using the same airlines, hotel chains and car hire companies for your business travel incentivises them to offer you discounted rates, loyalty miles and other extras. To negotiate with the best partners, get an expert on your side.