Silver lining for business travelers to the slew of bad airline news

by Charlie Leocha

USA Today columnist and friend, David Grossman, took a look at the positive side of airline and airport chaos that have been plaguing the country. He sees a silver lining to the problems that have been buffeting the industry and frequent business fliers.

His column, A dozen ways you may benefit from all the bad airline news, lays out a way to see the brighter side of what many see as air travel disaster.

Unfortunately, pouting, complaining and anger will not lower fuel prices and airlines’ operating costs. I was always taught to be an optimist and see the bright side of every scenario. So I’ve compiled a list of twelve likely outcomes of the current fuel price crisis that could comprise a silver lining and help placate the pain of business travel.

David then offers his list of a dozen ways business travel life will get better as the industry continues to sink, the airlines contract and schedules are slashed. Go directly to his column for more details.

1. Most business travel routes will be spared because business routes won’t be cut as much as leisure routes.

2. Fewer travelers at the airport

3. Fewer air traffic delays and ground holds

4. Airport security gets easier

5. Larger airplanes make a comeback, which means fewer tiny planes to crawl into

6. Demise of the dreaded regional jet — see above

7. More reliable, newer airplanes — new fuel efficient airplanes stay in service and old ratty planes go to their desert graves

8. Renewed focus on business travelers should mean more perks and better service for business travelers

9. Greater price equality … maybe fewer seats sold at rock-bottom prices.

10. Hotel and car rental bargains will appear as they feel the flight cutbacks

11. More time at home as some companies cut travel in the face of rising costs

12. Revival of the two-week vacation may take hold as families and businessmen (and women) save money by taking one big trip rather than three or four shorter ones during the year.

Now that’s making lemonade out of a dozen lemons.

Published on August 12, 2008 ·
Tags: business travel

Comments

2 Responses to “Silver lining for business travelers to the slew of bad airline news”

On August 12th, 2008 at 4:21 pm Marcy Stanley said

Charlie,

Oink, oink….on #12 - “Businessmen”??? Women travel for business too!
On August 12th, 2008 at 4:28 pm Charlie Leocha said

Thanks. Fixed. Sorry.