For those women who are ready to brave the skies, FCM South Africa General Manager Bonnie Smith, FCM Operational Leader Mummy Mafojane and Sue Garett, General Manager Product and Marketing for the Flight Centre Travel Group share a few travel hacks and insider tips that will streamline the ‘new normal’ travel experience. To be fair, most of these tips can also work for the gents, so feel free to read on even if you are in possession of a Y-chromosome…

1. Keep it simple: be informed, not overwhelmed

Mafojane recently experienced first-hand what travel is like in a COVID-19 world. She booked a trip from Johannesburg to Durban and reported her experience on video to share with FCM clients.

Mafojane admits that she felt insecure before setting off on her business travel adventure. “The information overload ahead of my travels created a certain level of anxiety for me,” she admits. “I felt as if I would be under constant scrutiny and that I would need a mountain of forms to travel. The reality was very different. So, my message to clients is, keep calm, it’s actually pretty simple.”

Mafojane explains she needed just one simple form to travel.

2. Pack wisely

Face masks, sanitiser and a few spare pens (to fill in forms) are top of the packing list for business travellers in a COVID-19 time. That doesn’t mean, we should ignore some other handy hacks when packing for a business trip.

“Always check the weather and pack accordingly,” says Smith. “And don’t forget: less is more. Don’t pack a bag full of items you will never use. If you need something you have forgotten you have an excuse to indulge in some retail therapy.”

3. Dress to impress

Did you know that the 80/20 rule applies to our wardrobe as well and that most of us only wear 20% of what is hanging in our closets?

Travel with an ensemble that is stylish, easy to accessorise, as well as comfortable and neutral, advises Garett. She says: “When you travel for business, you tend to follow a tight schedule that could require you to go straight from the airport into the boardroom. By adding a few accessories – or making some small changes – you can easily transform your outfit from relaxed to corporate.”

Smith agrees and cites as an example: “We always need heels for business travel. However, keep a pair of pumps in your bag for that dreaded airport walking.” 

4. Embrace tech

With the exception of your COVID travel permits, paper documents are a thing of the past, according to Smit. Instead of carrying around paperwork, a better idea is to charge your phone and make sure you have downloaded some key apps, like FMC’s travel chatbot Sam. 

This Smart Assistant for Mobile, or Sam for short, can handle everything, from booking your flights, hotels or ground transport to updating you on the weather at your destination. Sam also advises you on your exact departure gate, flight time changes, where to collect your bags  – even suggests restaurants to visit, alerts you about traffic delays and connects you to a live text or phone chat with a consultant if you need or want it.

5. Pack snacks

Although food can once again be served on airplanes and most restaurants have reopened, it remains a good idea to pack a few snacks. Energy bars, dried fruit and nuts are a healthy option to pack, but a little chocolate never hurts either.

6. Adjust your expectations

During these difficult times, we are all secretly hoping that the middle seat on the plane remains open. The reality can be quite different though.

Even though Mafojane had booked seats for the team leaving the middle seat open, the flight was full to capacity. Unless the flight is less than 67% full, the middle seat won’t remain free automatically unfortunately.

7. Get crafty with cosmetics

“Mask are now a must, so forget the lipstick. Instead pack a clear practical gloss, or nourishing lip balm,” advises Smith.

Another tip is to invest in a good BB cream that contains moisturiser, SPF and foundation. If your skin tends to get very dry, consider a leave-on mask to moisturise it during your flight.

8. Don’t spare the self-care

Women notoriously put their own self-care and health at the bottom of their priority list. Business trips exacerbate this bad habit.

However, Garett explains that the healthier and more well-rested you are, the more effective you will be in your work. She says: “So, start concentrating on your own health while on the road. A good start is to wear your Fitbit or smartwatch and keep an eye on your number of steps.”

9. Chat to your travel manager

In an age where gender diversity is a red-hot topic, are travel programmes treating male and female travellers any differently and, if not, are travel managers missing a trick?

One key travel hack is to use a reputable travel management company (TMC) for your travel needs. Ultimately all travellers – male and female – want to be productive and get the job done. A reputable TMC will give you the advice and support you need to make your business trip a success.

“Although there is still a lot of uncertainty as to what the easing of the restrictions on business travel will entail, President Ramaphosa’s announcement indicates that there is light at the end of the tunnel for business travellers,” says Oz Desai, GM Corporate Traveller and Flight Centre Business Travel.

As companies and business travellers contemplate the return of business travel, there are a number of factors to consider, as we can expect to see significant operational changes from airports, airlines and hotels, explains Desai.

Airports will introduce more stringent health checks and airlines will have air quality controls onboard as hygiene and safety is an essential concern. Discussions surrounding the dreaded middle seat in airplanes will be ongoing, and we’re likely to see a more automated and ‘touchless’ travel experience.

The Travel Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) further outlined that high-risk travellers (those above the age of 60 and those with underlying health issues) are recommended not to travel. The guidelines compiled by TBCSA also indicate that travellers could be asked to complete a health document, and that hotels are likely to introduce stringent health measures. These measures could include reduced linen change frequencies, the end of the turndown service, the removal of cushions and throws, and empty mini bars.

The new travel landscape highlights the importance of having a clear and transparent travel policy, even for domestic travel, says Desai. “With unprecedented times comes the need for flexibility, especially with something as important as travel policy. An interim travel policy created for this specific situation is the best way forward and will highlight responsibilities, duty of care and destination restrictions.”

Although there is no crystal ball to tell us when exactly travel will return, or what we can expect to change, we know that heightened hygiene measures stemming from COVID-19 will be a critical part of travel moving forward, adds Bonnie Smith, GM FCM Travel Solutions.

The uncertainty around the COVID-19 outbreak could lead to anxiety for travellers, says Smith. “Some employees might find themselves questioning whether they really need to travel to do their job effectively. If the answer is yes, it’s essential to make sure staff feel comfortable getting back on the road and confident that their safety and wellbeing is prioritised. A comprehensive risk management and duty of care programme is therefore essential.”

Although the re-introduction of limited business travel under Level 3 regulations is a positive development, the reality is that COVID-19 has forever changed business travel. As a result, a one-size-fits-all is no longer a feasible approach to travel management or travel risk. Instead, the post-COVID era will see a demand for in-depth, personalised and dynamic travel management adapted to a company’s unique requirements. So, reach out to your Travel Management Company for assistance in these uncertain times to help you navigate your travel obligations.

With this investment, FCTG improves its technology capabilities, specifically in the small-and-midsize corporate market. FCTG plans to leverage Upside’s technology platform to continue the digital enablement of its Corporate Traveller business, pairing the proficiency of its people with cutting-edge artificial intelligence and machine learning models.

“We have been impressed by the capability and flexibility of Upside’s technology and team to improve the business traveller experience. Its use of machine learning models to dynamically price business travel packages in real-time to save clients’ money while increasing traveller options is just one example of Upside’s best in class technology,” according to Andrew Stark, General Manager of FCTG.

For Upside, the deal substantially bolsters the company’s product offering to the small corporate market, where it will continue to operate under the Upside brand. Access to FCTG’s supplier relationships and global reach expands Upside’s inventory and enhances its ongoing software development with a broader set of travel data inputs.

“FCTG is the perfect partner for Upside as we get aggressive in serving small corporate clients. Not only does FCTG’s global scale, content, and experience immediately make our product more complete, but FCTG’s people and expertise also make us smarter, which is key as we accelerate into the future.” said Jay Walker, CEO of Upside.

The Upside product will soon take advantage of the emerging standards called Next-Generation Storefront, which are being developed by ATPCO in collaboration with airline and industry leaders. Incorporating the new standards for product display is a top post-investment priority for both parties and is expected to take place in Q2 of 2019.

“It’s promising to see FLT and Upside work together on providing the best traveller experience possible by making NGS a priority so flight shoppers can compare like-type products on third party channels. We’re inspired to see so many channels taking a step forward to transform flight shopping” said Gianni Cataldo, Head of Research & Development, at ATPCO.

“A direct flight between Cape Town and New York would be a very welcome development for both leisure and business travel from and to South Africa.

Cape Town recently overtook Johannesburg as South Africa’s number one financial hub, according to the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 24), while New York takes top position as the number one financial hub worldwide. Linking these two powerful business hubs with a direct flight will significantly boost business between the countries.

Direct nonstop travel, minimising total trip time, is as important as any other perk for business travellers and travel managers today. They want the most convenient and quickest flight options that will allow them to save time and show up rested at their destination.”

Mark Parry takes up the role of National Sales Leader for Flight Centre Business Travel (FCBT), while Samantha Wing becomes National Sales Leader Corporate Traveller.

As the first Business Development Manager for FCBT, Mark helped launch and establish the brand in the South African travel market in 2012.

Lloyd comments on Mark’s appointment: “Over the years Mark has demonstrated incredible tenacity and leadership. He has groomed and led his team, which was Most Improved for 2017/2018. Mark will work closely with Lloyd to develop a world-class FCBT sales team that is sure to exceed all of our expectations.”

Samantha, who colleagues call Sam, will take up the reins as National Sales Leader for Corporate Traveller with immediate effect. Sam has worked for FCTG for the past eight years and brings with her in-depth knowledge and understanding of the Corporate Traveller business.

“Sam will work closely with myself to lead the Corporate Traveller Sales Team to success. We will establish our sales department as the powerhouse of sales for FCTG South Africa,” says Lloyd.