Snow-covered runways. Thunderstorms. Floods. Inclement weather can quickly turn a business trip into a trip interrupted. Seasoned business traveler Jeff Andreini has become an expert in navigating fluctuating conditions. Andreini is chief financial officer of maritime services provider Ardent Global, a BCD Travel client. He’s based in Houston and travels frequently in the U.S. and Europe. Here are a few of his tips for minimizing weather-related trip disruptions.
1. Be ready for what’s coming
Andreini advises business travelers to monitor forecasts at their destination in the days leading up to a trip. His tool of choice is his smartphone. Apps such as AccuWeather and WeatherPro provide current updates, future predictions and immediate warnings about extreme weather. The American Red Cross provides free apps that warn of tornados, hurricanes and other natural disasters in specific areas of the U.S.
2. Pack right
Having the right gear in your suitcase may sound like a no-brainer, but Andreini is surprised at how many travelers aren’t ready for unexpected weather. “I once flew to Amsterdam with some colleagues. They thought that Dutch winters were fairly mild, but it was freezing cold,” Andreini said. “They had very little warm clothing and no gloves with them but, fortunately, I did.”
Gloves, warm socks and a knit cap are lightweight and don’t take up much space. But they can really add to your comfort, so it’s always worthwhile to bring them along. Also, Andreini advised, if you’re going to an unfamiliar destination, request advice from a colleague who’s been there before.
3. Make a contingency plan for lodging
Once weather delays start, you and your fellow travelers are likely all going to be looking for the same things—especially lodging. One contingency plan Andreini always puts in place: booking extra hotel nights.
It’s a practice he started after a trip to Alaska. “I was unexpectedly stranded for three days, and I had to extend my stay in the hotel. Fortunately, that was not a problem because it was outside the high season.” But Andreini realized he could have ended up without a place to stay—lesson learned.
4. Take action fast
In extreme conditions, travelers who think and act fast usually fare well. “Once, I was stranded in Jacksonville, [Florida],” Andreini said. “My flight had been cancelled, and there were no alternative flight options, so I hired a car.” His quick thinking netted him the last available rental car.
5. Use your tools
Travelers who use BCD’s TripSource can manage their itinerary details, receive real-time trip alerts, book a hotel and more. It’s an everyday travel tool that becomes indispensible during trip disruptions. Of course, savvy travelers like Andreini always know whom to call, too. He’s never without the number for his regular booking agent and also knows how to get through to his company’s emergency team if there’s a travel crisis.
Want to know more? Read how travel managers can help ease bad weather’s impact on travelers. And ask your BCD Travel account manager how TripSource and other offerings can help keep your travelers safe and productive on the road.
