For some people, business travel means getting in and out of strange cities as quickly as possible. For others such as Ryan Bingham, a character played by actor George Clooney in the recently released film Up in the Air, it is the answer to a lifelong dream, an opportunity to see different places, meet new people and earn millions of frequent flyer miles. As the leading global hotel brand and partner of the film Up in the Air, Hilton advises business travelers on top tips to make any business trip more enjoyable and less stressful.
• Remain Loyal — Follow the path of Ryan Bingham in Up in the Air by using loyalty programs. Hilton HHonors, one of Bingham’s preferred travel programs, helps him bypass hotel check-in lines and enjoy special amenities, such as upgraded rooms, complimentary breakfast, executive lounge access and bonus points. Only with Hilton HHonors® can you earn both Points & Miles® for stays at 3,500 hotels worldwide and airline miles with over 50 airline partners.
• Prepare For Your Arrival — Use the web to prearrange comfort foods, bathrobes, birthday balloons or even an extra refrigerator to be waiting in your hotel room, as offered by Hilton Hotels’ Requests Upon Arrival service. This way you can create your own personalized experience before leaving home.
• Book Early and Save — Check with your hotel to see if it offers deals when you book in advance. Some companies, such as Hilton Hotels, offer advance-purchase rates that let travelers save up to 20 per cent off the best available rate when they book ahead of time. Taking advantage of these offers can be a smart way to cut costs if you have a set travel schedule or plan to host standing annual, quarterly and/or monthly conferences.
• Call the Hotel Before You Travel — Speaking directly to someone who is an employee at the hotel property at which you are staying may yield unpublished or unadvertised information, such as special discounted room rates, amenities or promotions. It doesn’t hurt to ask, and you have nothing to lose.
• Airport Parking — Use an off-site car park instead of the car park on the airport grounds if you plan to drive your car to the airport. Off-site parking facilities are often less expensive and have free transportation for the short trip between the car park and the airport. To reduce the cost of parking further, many off-site car parks have coupons on their websites. Some even offer free amenities such as drinks, newspapers or bonus miles or points. Selected Hilton Hotels in the UK also offer ‘Park and Fly’ which includes hotel accommodation the night before you travel and up to 15 nights’ car parking – helping travelers to avoid a last minute dash to the airport and without the cost and worry of parking the car.
• Drive Smart — Check with your insurance agent to see if your current plan covers vehicle rentals. If it does, save yourself the cost of insurance at the rental counter. Also, check with your credit card provider to find out if rental car insurance coverage is part of the card member benefits.
• Leave the Laptop — If you’ll have access to a computer at your destination, use your MP3 player, iPod or flash drive to transport files from your computer. That way you can save the trouble of carrying a laptop on trips and unpacking it at security checkpoints. Also, many hotels have business centers that are equipped with computers, printers, telephones and office supplies.
Dave Horton, Global Head – Hilton Hotels Brand comments: “Up in the Air is a compelling story set within the world of frequent travelers. As the leading global hotel brand, Hilton welcomes countless guests from around the world into our hotels each day and becomes part of their life on the road. We always aim to pass on any tips or advise to our guests to ensure they maximize the excellent facilities on offer, and most of all have an enjoyable stay.”