Have you always envied those people who step off a plane looking fresh and clean, ready to do business right away? Those people probably make use of all the amenities offered by the airport, such as the twenty-four lounges to be found throughout JFK airport, for example. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can upgrade your tedious travel into a luxury experience.
Become a Lounge Day-Member
Even though it is only for a few hours at a time – and some lounges even limit how long patrons can remain in the lounge – investing US$50 or so in a day membership is well worth the money. Once inside the lounge, you will access free food and drink (including alcoholic drinks, although these are generally limited), access to space and quiet – sometimes even beds so you can get to grips with your jet lag before it becomes too much of a problem.
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SubscribeBe Clean and Comfortable
When travelling long distances, carry a change of comfortable clothes with you. Have a shower in the airport lounge – attendants will be on hand to provide you with towels and shower gel and anything else you might need – so that you are clean, cool and comfortable when it is time for boarding. If you are going straight into a meeting, you can repeat the process at your destination if a similar lounge exists, or you can change into business clothing in the plane’s tiny loo. Feeling fresh and well-presented helps to boost your confidence and this will carry over into your business dealings too, giving you a useful edge.
Spa Day at the Airport?
A little investigation before you pick a lounge to sign up to for the duration of your wait for your flight will soon let you know which lounges have the best amenities. The Air France Business Class lounge at JFK, for example, has a First Class lounge tucked away discreetly inside it, offering pampering massages and spa treatments that can take all the strain out of travelling and setting you up for a restful flight.
Get Up to Date with Work
Many lounges and even some airport terminals have workstations built into them, offering Wi-Fi access and computers where you can send and receive emails, chase up colleagues and even hammer out some of the fine details of your business deal before the next meeting.
Arrange Your Transport
There is nothing worse than the sick feeling of finding yourself at an airport with
no easily accessed transport and an important appointment that is looming ever closer. Avoid the whole expensive taxi/ overcrowded and slow shuttlebus dilemma by arranging a driver to collect you at the right time, with a clear idea of where and when your appointment is. That way, you can carry on prepping for the meeting while your driver effortlessly navigates the unknown streets and avenues. You can also arrange for that same driver to return you to the airport for your departure, collecting you and ensuring that you can check-in in good time before your flight. Check out Bergenlimo.com JFK limo service here for an idea of what is available.
Running Late? Make a Call
Many airports and certainly many lounges have free-to-use phones so that you can let people know if you are running late or unexpectedly early. This is great if you have not had time to arrange roaming on your personal mobile phone or if your phone is locked away safely in a suitcase.
