No strangers to frequent travelling – and the challenges accompanying corporate travel, the experts at Goldman Travel Corporation have compiled a list of their ‘best business travel hacks’ to help you VIP your travel, skip lengthy customs queues, enjoy complimentary breakfasts, score hotel upgrades…and more.
APEC Card
The trump card for corporate high-flyers, the Asia-Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) Business Travel Card is a key tool of the trade for eligible Australian citizens, and, if you qualify, the APEC card unlocks uncrowded inbound and outbound APEC lanes at the airports of member countries. Corporates who either own or hold a senior position in an organisation which undertakes regular trade with businesses located in APEC countries can apply for the card via the Department of Home Affairs.
Often the same lanes used by diplomats and airline crews, APEC lanes ensure your travel is fast tracked, and in many cases, your APEC card will also replace visas for many countries (even China), providing multiple entries of up to 90 days throughout the card’s five-year validity period.
Learn more here.
Royal Airport Concierge
The gold standard of the airport ‘meet and greet’, Royal Airport Concierge’s airport VIP service is committed to taking the stress out of travel. Available 24/7 in more than 500 airports worldwide, say goodbye to crowds and complications and let Royal Airport Concierge take care of your luggage and tickets and fast track your way through airport checkpoints for a seamless travel experience. Learn more here.
Hotel Upgrades
Get with the program – many hotels offer membership programs that provide benefits for frequent stays, including upgrades. Goldman Travel Corporation’s preferred hotel program spans 2000 hotels in 96 countries and paves the way for high-value perks and inclusions such as room upgrades on arrival, daily breakfasts for two, food and beverage credits, early check-ins, late check outs, spa treatment credits and unique local experiences.
Other strategies to secure an upgrade include using a credit card with a hotel affiliation, checking in during non-peak times such as the afternoon or early evening when you’re more likely to enjoy the hotel staff’s undivided attention.
Express Path
All travellers checking in at Business and First Class counters at Sydney Airport’s International Terminal have access to an Express Path card, and if you checked in online, it’s still worth requesting one to save time standing in line with hundreds of other outbound travellers.
Hong Kong e-Channel
Also known as the Enrolled Frequent Visitor Program, the Hong Kong e-Channel is available to all Australian passport holders or top-tier frequent flyers (Qantas Gold, Platinum and Platinum One cardholders, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold and PPS members and all Cathay Pacific Marco Polo Club members). The program gives visitors access to the airport’s automated e-Channel gates, both in and outbound, and removes the need to complete an arrivals form. Registration is free and valid until your passport expires. There are two e-Channel registration offices in Hong Kong airport, and Singapore’s Changi Airport has a similar program, the enhanced-Immigration Automated Clearance System (eIACS).
