It’s time to book your next flight for your business trip but you can’t quite find what you’re looking for? We’re here to help take the mystery out of booking flights for business and give you some helpful pointers about how to book non-stop flights, avoiding layovers and the hassle of having to kill time in the airport.
Flying direct isn’t just a “nice-to-have” , it’s a must to keep you productive, help you arrive at your destination in tip top shape and keep the excitement of traveling for business alive. Ready? Let’s dive in!
Why are non-stop flights more productive when traveling for business
There are many obvious reasons as to why direct flights are better. For starters you can get to your destination faster. When traveling for business, you are often trying to take advantage of the time on the plane to get your presentation done, prepare for meetings, or get some much-need shuteye after pulling long nights to get ready for your trip. The longer the time on the plane in one shot, the more concentrated time you have to get things done.
Think of direct flights as being “focus time” whereas if you have a layover (or two), it’s as if you are having constant interruptions to your workflow. Time in the airport is often lost time, spent browsing social media or charging devices while you anxiously wait to board.
4 Reasons to choose non-stop flights and avoid layovers
1. Save time
Saving time may be the number one reason to prefer non-stop flights. Eliminating layovers can help you reach your destination faster, giving you more free time to settle in before having to rush to a meeting or a conference. Less in between time means you have more “you” time.
2. Reduce jetlag
Some jetlag experts say that the fewer time zones you are exposed to, the less jetlag affects you. By staying hydrated while you travel and getting plenty of rest, while also avoiding caffeinated beverages, your body can adjust more easily to the new time zone.
Need more tips to fight jetlag?
3. Minimize stress and maximize convenience
Needless to say, direct flights are overall less stressful. You don’t have to board and deboard at multiple airports. Instead you can settle in and get comfortable, maximizing convenience instead of fighting through airport lines and long passageways.
4. Easier overall
When you’re traveling for business, you want things to be as easy and hassle-free as possible. Flying directly you can manage everything simply and just focus on doing business.
Booking non-stop flights and avoiding layovers
So now you know the benefits of non-stop flights and avoiding layovers, let’s look at some tips for how to book non-stop flights like:
Use a travel management platform that allows you to sort by direct flights
Sorting by the number of stops on a travel management platform when you’re booking your business trip is as easy as selecting “direct” in the “number of stops” filter. That’s what we call ease. And with GetGoing it’s possible. Schedule a demo to find out more!
And with GetGoing it’s all possible. Schedule a demo to find out more.
Plan and book early
Sometimes popular business routes can sell out (NYC to London, San Francisco to Tokyo etc.), secure your seat as early as possible if it’s a trip you know you have to take. Airlines typically release tickets 6-12 months in advance, so take advantage and plan and book your trips early.
Consider nearby airports
If your city doesn’t have a direct route set up, check nearby airports. For example in the case of New York City, if your city doesn’t have a direct connection with JFK, maybe try La Guardia or Newark. This will keep you traveling direct but with just a slightly longer transfer time to the city.
Try to use major airline hubs when possible
International airports often have more direct connections. In the USA, for example:
✈️ Atlanta (Delta Hub)
✈️ Dallas Fort Worth (American Airlines Hub)
✈️ Chicago (United Hub)
If you are flexible, choosing a hub can help you avoid layovers and get to your destination faster. Keep these hubs in mind when choosing how to best get around the States.
Be flexible with your dates
Sometimes airlines will release certain routes only during the week from Tuesdays to Wednesdays. Early morning or late-night flights may also have better non-stop options. Consider adding on some bleisure time to make sure you get the direct route that suits you best.
The bottom line about non-stop flights and layovers
When it comes to non-stop flights and layovers, it’s important you consider what is most convenient for you. Generally speaking direct flights are always a good idea, but maybe you can decide to add on some extra time to your layover and discover an unknown destination on your way to your work meetings. In any case, the bottom line: non-stop flights are the way to go.