The Business Travel Almanac

by Williams, Donna; Miller, Michael

• ISBN13: 9780789729347
• ISBN10: 0789729342
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-11-04
• Publisher: Que Publishing

Summary

Need to book a hotel with high-speed access? Want to impress your client with the best restaurant in town? Wish you had known that the train was faster and cheaper than a cab?TheBusiness Travel Almanacputs the answers to these questions and more at the fingertips of the busy business traveler. Whether you're in the office or already on the road, this is the all-in-one source that you'll reference time and again. With a combination of travel advice, reference material, directory information, and city guides, this book is a unique tool for the traveling professional.The first section is packed full of information about travel in general, including airline comparisons, hotel details, and rental car options. It is presented in a directory format for quick reference, and peppered with invaluable tips that make life easier on the go.Section 2 focuses on 15 major U.S. cities that are common destinations for business travelers. Each city segment includes airport and city maps, restaurant reviews, stores that provide business services, convention center information, and much more!Cities include: New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Detroit, Boston, Dallas, Washington DC, Houston, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Phoenix, and Las Vegas

Author Biography

Donna Williams began her well-traveled career in the mid-1980s as a banker with Bankers Trust Company. As an investment banker, she worked primarily designing structured finance transactions for healthcare and travel services companies. In 1993, she received her MBA from Columbia Business School. From there she launched her publishing career at Doubleday and was subsequently recruited to work in strategic development for the Times Mirror Company. In 1998, she joined BigStar Entertainment as Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. Prior to writing The Business Travel Almanac 2004, Donna was a bi-coastal marketing and business development consultant. Her clients included Internet and publishing companies in industries spanning surfing to travel to healthcare. She lives in Athens, New York, where she writes about travel and is an occasional professor of microeconomics and marketing. This is her second book. She is also the author of New York On The Fly published by On The Fly International, LLC.

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION	1	(4)
The Business Travel Section	1	(1)
The City Guides	2	(2)
Icon Legend	4	(1)
www.businesstravelalmanac.com	4	(1)
1 BOOKING YOUR TRIP	5	(2)
Booking Direct	5	(1)
Using a Travel Agent	5	(1)
Making Online Reservations	6	(1)
2 MOBILE TECHNOLOGY	7	(18)
Cell Phones	8	(2)
Choosing the Right Model	8	(1)
Choosing the Right Service Plan	9	(1)
Batteries	9	(1)
AC Adapters and Chargers	9	(1)
Headphones and Hands-Free Devices	9	(1)
Laptop Computers	10	(4)
Choosing the Right Model	10	(1)
Batteries	10	(1)
Power Cables and Adapters	11	(1)
Modem Connections	11	(1)
Network Connections	11	(1)
Wireless Connections	11	(1)
Removable Storage	12	(1)
Antitheft Devices	13	(1)
Essential Software	13	(1)
Useful Online Services	13	(1)
Personal Digital Assistants	14	(1)
Choosing the Right Model	14	(1)
Batteries	14	(1)
Wireless Connections	14	(1)
Network Connections	14	(1)
Modem Connections	14	(1)
Removable Storage	14	(1)
Essential Software	15	(1)
Useful Accessories	15	(1)
Other Devices	15	(2)
Battery Chargers	15	(1)
LCD Projectors	15	(1)
Global Positioning Satellite Devices	16	(1)
Noise-Canceling Headphones	16	(1)
Portable Digital Audio Players	16	(1)
Portable DVD Players	16	(1)
Portable Video Games	17	(1)
Connecting to the Internet	17	(6)
Connecting in the Hotel	17	(2)
Connecting at an Internet Café or Kinko's	19	(1)
Connecting at a Wireless Hotspot	20	(1)
Connecting in the Airport	20	(1)
Connecting in the Air	21	(1)
Connecting Via Your Cell Phone	22	(1)
Connecting Via a Wireless Modem	22	(1)
Connecting Via BlackBerry	22	(1)
Connecting to Email and Virtual Private Networks	23	(1)
Internet Security on the Road	23	(1)
Sending and Receiving Faxes	24	(1)
Mobile Devices and Airport Security	24	(1)
3 AIRTRAVEL	25	(56)
Making Your Flight Reservation	25	(1)
Performance Statistics	25	(1)
Consumer Service, Safety, and Security	26	(1)
Air Fares, Classes of Service, and Ticketing Rules	26	(2)
Fares	26	(1)
Classes of Service	27	(1)
Rights, Rules, and Promises	27	(1)
Ticket Validity	28	(1)
Overbooking and Getting Bumped	28	(1)
Delays and Cancellations	29	(1)
Changing Your Ticket	30	(1)
Cancellation/Change Fees	30	(1)
Same-Day Standby	30	(1)
Upgrading	30	(1)
Before You Head to the Airport	31	(6)
Packing and Dressing for Airline Security	32	(1)
Checking Your Flight Status	33	(1)
Documentation for Domestic Travel	34	(1)
How and Where to Get Your Boarding Pass	34	(1)
Timing Your Arrival:The Art of Arriving with 5 Minutes to Spare	35	(2)
Airport Security	37	(1)
Baggage	38	(1)
Restrictions, Allowances, and Fees	38	(1)
Baggage Services	38	(1)
Airport Lounge Clubs	39	(1)
Frequent Flyer Programs	39	(1)
Business Programs	40	(1)
Aircraft	40	(2)
On the Plane	42	(3)
Plane Etiquette	42	(1)
Cabin Service	42	(1)
In-Flight Phones	43	(1)
In-Flight Internet Service	43	(1)
In-Flight Electronic Devices	44	(1)
On-board Power Ports	44	(1)
Seating	44	(1)
Alternatives to Commercial Air Travel	45	(1)
Major Domestic Carriers	46	(39)
AirTran Airways	46	(2)
Alaska Airlines	48	(3)
America West Airlines	51	(2)
American Airlines	53	(4)
American Trans Air	57	(1)
Continental Airlines	58	(3)
Delta Airlines	61	(4)
Frontier Airlines	65	(1)
Horizon	66	(2)
JetBlue Airways	68	(1)
Midwest Airlines	69	(2)
Northwest Airlines	71	(3)
Song	74	(1)
Southwest Airlines	75	(2)
Spirit Airlines	77	(2)
United Airlines	79	(3)
US Airways	82	(3)
A Word on International Travel	85
4 LODGING	81	(36)
Rates and Reservations	87	(1)
Hotel Fees and Phone Charges	88	(1)
The Business Class Room	89	(1)
High-Speed Internet Access	89	(1)
Business Centers	90	(1)
Loyalty Programs	90	(1)
Service Categories	91	(1)
Full-Service Hotels	91	(1)
Limited-Service Hotels	92	(1)
AII-Suite Hotels	92	(1)
Extended-Stay Hotels	92	(1)
Price Categories	92	(2)
Luxury Hotel Chains	92	(1)
Upper Upscale Hotel Chains	93	(1)
Upscale Hotel Chains	93	(1)
Midprice Hotel Chains	93	(1)
Economy/Budget Chains	94	(1)
Hotel Quick Reference Chart	94	(2)
Major Hotel Companies	96	(2)
Accor Hotels	96	(1)
Carlson Companies	96	(1)
Cendant	97	(1)
Choice Hotels International	97	(1)
Extended Stay America, Inc	97	(1)
Hilton Hotels Corporation	97	(1)
Hyatt Corporation	97	(1)
Intercontinental Hotel Group	97	(1)
Marriott International, Inc	97	(1)
Prime Hospitality Corporation	97	(1)
Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc	97	(1)
U.S. Franchise Systems, Inc	98	(1)
Wyndham International	98	(1)
Major Hotel Brands	98	(19)
5 RENTALCARS	117	(20)
Car Rental Checklists	117	(1)
Reservations, Rates, and Charges	118	(1)
Reservations	118	(1)
Rates and Fees	118	(1)
late Charges	118	(1)
Drop-Off Charges	118	(1)
Refueling Charges	118	(1)
Rules, Requirements, and Restrictions	119	(1)
Drivers License and License Verification	119	(1)
Credit Cards	119	(1)
Cancellation Policy	119	(1)
Driver's Age	119	(1)
Authorized and Additional Drivers	119	(1)
Insurance and Waivers	120	(1)
Vehicle Classes	121	(1)
Express Service and Loyalty Programs	121	(1)
Business Programs	122	(1)
Other Features and Services	122	(1)
Emergency Road Assistance	122	(1)
Cellular Phones	122	(1)
In-Car Navigation	122	(1)
Satellite Radio	122	(1)
Major Car Rental Companies	123	(14)
Advantage Rent-A-Car	123	(1)
Alamo Rent-A-Car	124	(1)
Avis Rent A Car System, Inc	125	(1)
Budget Rent A Car System, Inc	126	(1)
Dollar Rent A Car	127	(1)
Enterprise Rent-A-Car	128	(1)
Fox Rent A Car	129	(1)
EV Rental Cars	130	(1)
Hertz Rent A Car	131	(1)
National Car Rental	132	(1)
Payless Car Rental	133	(1)
Thrifty Car Rental	134	(3)
6 LIMOUSINE AND CAR SERVICES	137	(2)
BostonCoach	137	(1)
Carey International	137	(1)
Dav El	138	(1)
7 AMTRAK	139	(2)
Contact Information	139	(1)
Major Routes	139	(1)
Northeast Corridor-Acela Express and Metroliner	139	(1)
Chicago to Milwaukee-Hiawatha	140	(1)
Los Angeles to San Diego-Pacific Surfliner	140	(1)
Portland to Seattle-Cascades	140	(1)
Loyalty Program	140	(1)
8 ON-THE-ROAD BUSINESS SERVICES AND SUPPLIES	141	(4)
Business Support, Computer, and Internet Providers	141	(1)
Kinko's	141	(1)
Laptoplane	141	(1)
Mail Boxes, Etc., Inc./The UPS Store	141	(1)
PIP Printing, Inc	142	(1)
Sir Speedy	142	(1)
T-Mobile USA/T-Mobile HotSpot	142	(1)
Wayport,Inc	142	(1)
Computer, Electronics, and Office Supplies	142	(9)
CompUSA	142	(1)
Office Depot	143	(1)
Offce Max	143	(1)
RadioShack	143	(1)
Staples	143	(2)
A PROHIBITED AND PERMITTED ITEMS LIST	145	(4)
B SELECT DOMESTIC AIRPORT CODES	149	(6)
C BUSINESS TRAVEL PUBLICATIONS	155
9 ATLANTA	151	(22)
Information Sources	158	(1)
Getting There	158	(5)
Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport	158	(4)
Regional Airports	162	(1)
Amtrak	162	(1)
Getting Around	163	(3)
Metro Atlanta	164	(1)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	165	(1)
Taxis	165	(1)
Rental Cars	165	(1)
Public Transportation	165	(1)
In Town	166	(7)
Convention Centers	166	(1)
Hotels	166	(4)
Restaurants	170	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	171	(2)
10 BOSTON	173	(14)
Information Sources	173	(1)
Getting There	174	(4)
Logan International Airport	174	(3)
Regional Airports	177	(1)
Amtrak	177	(1)
Getting Around	178	(2)
Metro Boston	178	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	180	(1)
Taxis	180	(1)
Rental Cars	180	(1)
Public Transportation	180	(1)
In Town	180	(7)
Convention Centers	180	(1)
Hotels	181	(3)
Restaurants	184	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	185	(2)
11 CHICAGO	187	(16)
Information Sources	188	(1)
Getting There	188	(5)
O'Hare International Airport	188	(3)
Chicago Midway Airport	191	(2)
Amtrak	193	(1)
Getting Around	193	(3)
Metro Chicago	193	(1)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	193	(1)
Taxis	193	(1)
Rental Cars	193	(3)
Public Transportation	196	(1)
In Town	196	(7)
Convention Centers	196	(1)
Hotels	197	(4)
Restaurants	201	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	201	(2)
12 DALLAS	203	(16)
Information Sources	204	(1)
Getting There	204	(6)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport	204	(4)
Dallas love Field	208	(1)
Amtrak	209	(1)
Getting Around	210	(3)
Metro Dallas	210	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	212	(1)
Taxis	212	(1)
Rental Cars	212	(1)
Public Transportation	212	(1)
In Town	213	(6)
Convention Centers	213	(1)
Hotels	213	(3)
Restaurants	216	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	216	(3)
13 DETROIT	219	(12)
Information Sources	220	(1)
Getting There	220	(4)
Detroit Wayne County Airport	220	(3)
Regional Airports	223	(1)
Amtrak	223	(1)
Getting Around	224	(2)
Metro Detroit	224	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	226	(1)
Taxis	226	(1)
Rental Cars	226	(1)
Public Transportation	226	(1)
In Town	226	(5)
Convention Centers	226	(1)
Hotels	227	(2)
Restaurants	229	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	229	(2)
14 HOUSTON	231	(18)
Information Sources	232	(1)
Getting There	232	(6)
George Bush Intercontinental Airport	232	(3)
William P. Hobby Airport	235
Ellington Field	231	(6)
Amtrak	237	(1)
Getting Around	238	(3)
Metro Houston	238	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	240	(1)
Taxis	240	(1)
Rental Cars	240	(1)
Public Transportation	241	(1)
In Town	241	(8)
Convention Centers	241	(1)
Hotels	241	(4)
Restaurants	245	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	245	(4)
15 LASVEGAS	249	(14)
Information Sources	249	(1)
Getting There	250	(4)
Las Vegas McCarran Airport	250	(2)
North Las Vegas Airport	252	(1)
Henderson Executive Airport	253	(1)
Amtrak	253	(1)
Getting Around	254	(3)
Metro Las Vegas	254	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	256	(1)
Taxis	256	(1)
Rental Cars	256	(1)
Limousines	256	(1)
Public Transportation	257	(1)
In Town	257	(6)
Convention Centers	257	(1)
Hotels	258	(3)
Restaurants	261	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	261	(2)
16 LOS ANGELES	263	(22)
Information Sources	264	(1)
Getting There	264	(6)
Los Angeles International Airport	264	(4)
Burbank Glendale Pasadena Airport	268	(1)
Long Beach Airport	269	(1)
Ontario International Airport	269	(1)
John Wayne Airport	269	(1)
Amtrak	270	(1)
Getting Around	270	(5)
Metro L.A.	271	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	273	(1)
Taxis	274	(1)
Rental Cars	274	(1)
Public Transportation	274	(1)
In Town	275	(10)
Convention Center	275	(1)
Hotels	275	(6)
Restaurants	281	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	282	(3)
17 MIAMI	285	(16)
Information Sources	286	(1)
Getting There	286	(6)
Miami International Airport	286	(3)
Fort Lauderdale Airport	289	(2)
Amtrak	291	(1)
Getting Around	292	(3)
Metro Miami	292	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	294	(1)
Taxis	294	(1)
Rental Cars	294	(1)
Public Transportation	294	(1)
In Town	295	(6)
Convention Centers	295
Taxis	294	(4)
Restaurants	298	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	299	(2)
18 NEW YORK CITY	301	(30)
Information Sources	302	(1)
Getting There	302	(13)
John F. Kennedy International Airport	302	(4)
LaGuardia Airport	306	(4)
Newark Liberty International Airport	310	(3)
Long Island MacArthur Airport	313	(1)
White Plains Westchester County Airport	314	(1)
Teterboro Airport	314	(1)
Amtrak	314	(1)
Getting Around	315	(5)
Metro New York	315	(3)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	318	(1)
Taxis	319	(1)
Limousines	319	(1)
Rental Cars	319	(1)
Public Transportation	320	(1)
In Town	320	(11)
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center	320	(8)
Hotels
Restaurants	328	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	329	(2)
19 PHILADELPHIA	331	(14)
Information Sources	332	(1)
Getting There	332	(4)
Philadelphia Airport	332	(3)
Amtrak	335	(1)
Getting Around	336	(3)
Metro Philadelphia	336	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	338	(1)
Taxis	338	(1)
Rental Cars	338	(1)
Public Transportation	338	(1)
In Town	339	(6)
Conference Centers	339	(1)
Hotels	339	(3)
Restaurants	342	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	342	(3)
20 PHOENIX	345	(14)
Information Sources	346	(1)
Getting There	346	(4)
Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport	346	(3)
Scottsdale Airport	349	(1)
Phoenix Deer Valley Airport	349	(1)
Phoenix Goodyear Airport	349	(1)
Amtrak	349	(1)
Getting Around	350	(2)
Metro Phoenix	350	(1)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	351	(1)
Taxis	351	(1)
Rental Cars	351	(1)
Public Transportation	351	(1)
In Town	352	(7)
Convention Centers	352	(1)
Hotels	352	(3)
Restaurants	355	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	356	(3)
21 SAN FRANCISCO	359	(24)
Information Sources	360	(1)
Getting There	360	(9)
San Francisco International Airport	360	(5)
Oakland International Airport	365	(2)
San Jose Airport	367	(1)
Trains	368	(1)
Getting Around	369	(4)
San Francisco Bay Area	369	(3)
Driving, Parking and Walking	372	(1)
Taxis	373	(1)
Rental Cars	373	(1)
Public Transportation	373	(1)
In Town	373	(10)
Moscone Center	373	(1)
Hotels	374	(6)
Restaurants	380	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	380	(3)
22 SEATTLE	383	(8)
Information Sources	384	(1)
Getting There	384	(4)
Seattle-Tacoma Airport	384	(3)
Amtrak	387	(1)
Getting Around	388	(3)
Metro Seattle	388	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	390	(1)
Taxis	390	(1)
Rental Cars	390	(1)
Public Transportation	390	(1)
In Town	391	(1)
Washington State Convention Center	391	(1)
Hotels	391	(3)
Restaurants	394	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	395
23 WASHINGTON,D.C	391
Information Sources	398	(1)
Getting There,	398	(9)
Dulles Airport	398	(3)
Reagan/National Airport	401	(3)
Baltimore Airport	404	(1)
Amtrak	405	(2)
Getting Around	407	(3)
Metro Washington, D.C.	407	(2)
Driving, Parking, and Walking	409	(1)
Taxis	409	(1)
Rental Cars	410	(1)
Public Transportation	410	(1)
In Town,	410
Convention Centers	410	(1)
Hotels	410	(4)
Restaurants	414	(1)
Business Services and Supplies	415