5 Examples of Anticipating Executive Needs for Better Outcomes
Imagine the stress of last-minute travel changes and the crucial role of seamless arrangements for high-stakes meetings. Insights from a President and an Independent Travel Advisor reveal the secrets to impeccable executive travel management. Discover why booking backup flights is essential and learn how focusing on small details can elevate the travel experience. This blog post offers five expert insights, starting with essential backup flight strategies and concluding with the luxury of meticulous detail management.
- Book Backup Flights for Important Meetings
- Personalize Travel and Anticipate Needs
- Arrange Private Airport Transfers
- Always Have a Backup Plan
- Focus on Small Details for Luxury
Book Backup Flights for Important Meetings
As an oft traveling executive, I've long directed my assistants to come up with a backup plan. Flying, in particular, is a fickle thing. When I'm looking to close a contract, a delayed or cancelled flight can cost big money. The last thing I want to do is miss a meeting because Delta messed up. Ultimately, the buck stops with me, and if I haven't arrived in time, that's my problem.
So, when I just cannot afford to miss my arrival time, I'll have my assistant book two flights. We can cancel the one I don't use, but more than once, I've found my backup flight invaluable.
For less important events, I'll stick to a single flight, but I still always have a back-up itinerary ready to go in case something happens and I need to rebook at the last minute.
Personalize Travel and Anticipate Needs
When it comes to executive travel, personalization and anticipating needs are key. I always take note of an executive's preferences - from their airline and seat choices to any dietary restrictions. This helps create a more comfortable and productive travel experience. But going beyond those basics is crucial. Pre-booking ground transportation, for example, eliminates the stress of navigating unfamiliar airports and ensures a smooth arrival.
And because travel disruptions are inevitable, I always have a Plan B. This might include backup flights, alternative accommodation options, or even different modes of transportation.
Finally, I provide executives with a detailed itinerary that includes not just flight information but also local emergency contacts, transportation options, and key information about their destination. This empowers them to handle unexpected situations with confidence.
Arrange Private Airport Transfers
Smooth airport experiences are crucial for busy executives. Our pro tip is to arrange for private airport transfers, expedited security clearance, and dedicated check-in counters. These small details can save significant time and stress, ensuring a positive start and end to their trip. Even smaller details like a personalized welcome gift, a spa treatment voucher for their hotel room, or a curated gift basket filled with their favorite treats can make a world of difference. It shows that you've paid attention to their preferences and that you value their time and comfort.
Always Have a Backup Plan
One tip for managing travel arrangements for my executives is to always have a backup plan. This includes alternative flights, hotels, and transportation options. Unexpected changes can happen, and having a contingency plan ensures that my executive's schedule remains as smooth as possible.
I also include all details in their calendar to make sure they only need to look one place to find: confirmation number, flight numbers, time zones, seat numbers etc.
Bonus points for having a direct line to a great travel agent!
Focus on Small Details for Luxury
The one detail that is often overlooked but can make a significant difference in anyone's travel experience is to pay attention to the wall details.
The small details are what makes an experience feel luxurious and effortless, while informing the traveler that everything was planned and they are supported. Little details can make a big impact on the overall experience to a traveler, especially an executive, such as: making sure all transportation is ready and waiting upon arrival, checking reservations and directions, seeing if the accommodations has the type of toiletries the executive prefers, doing the research on restaurants in the area (or in many cases, places to get a good cup of coffee).
The small details do not stop at booking reservations and sending a traveler on their way. The small details are the personalized elements that make a person feel cared for, whether they realize it or not. But they certainly become aware of those details when they aren't there.
