Mobile check-in

A handful of carriers, including American Airlines and Continental Airlines, have started to let you skip the check-in counter or kiosk while helping the environment. And they’re using a business traveler’s best friend to make it all possible—the cell phone.

Boarding planes with the swipe of a phone is the fastest way in self-service check-in. To do that, you have to download a dedicated application, such as Flight Status for iPhone or WorldMate Live Gold for BlackBerry.

Travelers first check in through the airline’s mobile site on their phone’s browser; after checking in, you’ll see a two-dimensional, encrypted bar code on the screen. Airline officials can scan the bar code on your cell, both at security checkpoints and the gate. Despite its convenience, mobile boarding still has its drawbacks. For now, the U.S. airlines are offering the service just on domestic flights, and since only a handful of airports are participating, your phone can display only one boarding pass. Plus, it’s limited to direct flights. And mobile boarding passes aren’t time-saving for those who check luggage.

“Checkpoint friendly” laptop cases

When you travel, all you want to do is get on a plane and get to your destination. Unfortunately, check-in lines and security checks can eat into your free time and make travel a hassle, especially when you are traveling with a laptop.

About 70% of business travelers travel with their laptops, then getting it out of the case, putting it in a bin and packing it up again can take time that you just don’t have. But what if you didn’t have to unpack your laptop to have it scanned? The Transport Security Administration has approved new “checkpoint friendly” laptop cases to help speed up the process. According to the New York Times:

“The new cases include either a fold-down section in a bigger briefcase or a stand-alone protective sleeve that contains no extra clutter and can be readily viewed through the scanner.”

Manufacturers are rushing to produce these new bags, with several examples already available.

Hotel Rewards System

Good news for business travelers: hotel chains are doing whatever it takes to fill their beds. It is a good time for you to use your hotel points.

As a frequent business traveler, you will save money by using the hotel rewards system and shouldn’t have a problem to get a free night. Furthermore, a free room isn’t the only thing that your points can buy- InterContinental allows you to redeem points for really cool stuff, including iPod Nanos and Wiis; Marriott offers golf ; and Hilton gives out tickets to Saturday Night Live tapings. Fall 2008, Starwood has begun to allow members to directly exchange hotel point for flights.

Since every hotel has its own formula how points are earned, comparing each hotel rewards program is tricky. Many chains partner with credit card companies, allowing you to collect points every time you make a purchase. Hotels often give as many as 25,000 points for sign up the cards. However, each chain requires a different number of points for a room.

Just dive in. It doesn’t cost anything to sign up, so join all the hotels reward programs that you frequently stay.

Big Save for your business travel

Business trips rarely follow your original plans exactly, so the cost of the trip could fluctuate from time to time. Taxes and fees can add 25 percent (or more) to your budget, especially when you travel internationally; including adds luggage fees, Wi-Fi access, and extra meals (think of those frequent airport delays). All those bills add up, so even if you think you know how much a trip will cost, the final amount can be a shocker.

According to a survey released last month by the Association of Corporate Travel Executives, nearly three-quarters of companies plan to cut travel budgets in 2009. While travel budgets continue shrinking, teleconferencing systems keep improving. However, videoconferences will never eliminate the need for face-to-face contact because business is about relationships, and you have to create those in person. So how do you save big on your business travels?

American Express has suggested 5 tips for efficient travel spending; you should try them out on your upcoming business trip.

1. Plan twice, book once. Confirm appointments before you book; check and double-check to make sure your bookings make sense.

2. Pack light. Most airlines charge baggage fees and levy charges for overweight bags.

3. Be flexible. Be flexible about the days of the week and even the time of day you travel. Take flexibility a step further and consider other ways of travel than airlines (train, express bus or driving).

4. Double up on a hotel rooms. Co-workers traveling together should try to share a room or suite. If you can, stay with a friend or relative. Some companies are willing to reimburse you if the total is less than the cost of a night's stay in a hotel.

5. Plan ahead and stay in touch. The earlier you book air tickets and hotel rooms, the more likely you'll find a good price.