Low-cost Flights - Good For Business?

Have you been wasting way too much time & money on flights? Make no mistake, Low-Cost Airlines save you lots of money. Typically, you'll save around £320 per trip on midweek return flights within Europe, just for giving up a “free� lunch and a few air-miles. So why don't you fly Low-Cost more often?

You're probably thinking “At those prices they're bound to be inconvenient with lots of snags & traps for the unwary�, and you're right. The unwary are always at risk. However, with a little knowledge, you can make Low-Cost Flights a stress-free & cost saving part of your travel options. How many times have you heard the following?

“Flying Low-Cost wastes time.�

Low-Cost websites are so quick and easy to use. You instantly browse and book. None of the to-ing & fro-ing you can have on the phone to your Travel Agent. Check-in takes no longer than traditional economy class. Some Low-Cost Airlines even let you take all your bags into the cabin, so Check-in is quicker, and you don't do Baggage Reclaim on arrival.

“I need Punctuality!�

Time is money! Low-Cost Airlines know it. That's why they close check-in promptly, and won't wait for latecomers. It's also why some allow you take all your baggage with you into the cabin. Not because it saves you time at the carousel, but because they save time & expense on baggage handling. As a result, the best Low-Cost Airlines are amongst the most punctual in Europe.

“I need convenient Flight Times�

Many routes now have more Low-Cost Flights than Traditional. Don't assume. Arm yourself with information!

“Low-Cost Airlines don't fly to Major Airports�

Some do & some don't. This is one of the Low-Cost Airlines' strengths, Choice! Remember, not all your clients are clustered conveniently around major airports. How many times have you taken an onward flight, train or hire car to get to your destination? You may well have been able to take a single, direct Low-Cost Flight, saving you hundreds of pounds, hours of travel, and maybe even a hotel bill. If only you'd known!

“Flying Low-Cost gives you a “Cheap� Image�

Okay, I confess, when I first started using Low Cost Flights, I used to hide the fact. Then I realised how many of my fellow passengers were people like me and my clients, small – medium Business Owners. These guys accept, and even expect that cost-effective Professionals fly Low-Cost where it makes sense. You impress these guys by meeting them on Low-Cost Flights!

“You can't network on a Low-Cost Flight�

These Business Owners are the ultimate decision-makers in their organisations. The fact that they fly Low-Cost also tells you they are open to new ideas, and are not afraid to change in order to improve. You'd be amazed how many sales I've made as a result of networking on Low Cost Flights.

“My Trips are too complicated for Low-Cost Airlines�

I often make multi-stop trips all around Europe using only Low-Cost Flights. The problem until recently, was that the European network is made up of 50 different airlines. They don't co-operate, and most don't sell through Travel Agents. Until recently, you'd need to look at 50 websites in order to see all the possibilities and make your bookings. Now, you can subscribe to services which channel all the timetables into one programme on your PC or even your pda, so you can browse, book & change flights, even on the move!

“What about Flight Connections?�

The wide range of Low-Cost destinations & flights means I can organise my appointments to have meetings between flights. Half a day allows at least one meeting, and is a great buffer between flights.

“But I need a flexible Ticket�

You can change most Low-Cost bookings for around £10 per flight, plus any difference in Fare Price. Remember, prices go up as flights fill up, so if you've booked a flight well in advance, then re-book to a flight leaving at short notice, you could have an extra £50 to £100 to pay. Even so, it's win / win. If you don't need to change you save up to 90%. If you do change, you'll typically still save 60% - 80%.

If you are like me, more than 95% of your contacts will be within 1 hour of a Low-Cost Destination, you'll also have the choice of several “Home� Airports. Get to know the whole network, not just your local connections, and make Low-Cost Airlines an important part of your Travel Choices. You'll reduce your stress, save time & lots of money.

John Akin has been a European Business Traveller for over 20 years. Join his free Newsletter & discover how to drastically reduce your Travel Costs & Stress and improve your Productivity http://www.theflightdirectory.com