Road ready - computing tips for business travel - includes related articles on travel tales from hell and the wired traveler's toolkit - Industry Trend or Event - Cover Story

Home Office Computing, May, 1996 by Mark Binder

36. If your rental car has a built-in Global Positioning System and electronic mapping computer, you'll never get lost. Tap in your destination, and the four-inch screen will display a map, show directional arrows, and have a voice say, "Left turn ahead." Avis (800-331-1212; free) and Hertz (800-654-3131; $5 per day) offer the systems in 12 markets (including California and New York City); National Car Rental (800-328-4567; free) offers them only in Atlanta and Detroit. The equipped cars are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

37. As long as you're renting a car, consider reserving a cellular phone. You'll be able to make free 911 calls. Avis ($1.25 per minute) doesn't charge extra for a built-in phone with a creditcard swipe option. Hertz is a bit more expensive with a daily rental fee plus charges approaching $2 per minute, but it offers portable phones. National offers portable phones in some areas with a $1.95 per-minute rate and a three-minute per day minimum. Don't lose the phone--one National operator told us it could cost $800.

ON THE WAY

Whoever said getting there was half the fun never got snowed in at O'Hare airport. Keeping a cool head and following these tips will snake your journey a lot less stressful.

When You Get Stuck At the Airport

38. Take a deep breath. Then head for a pay phone (or use your cell phone). While all the other passengers are waiting endlessly in line, you can be on the phone with your travel agent or with the airline itself. Note that even if you rebook through a travel agent or the airline's toll-free number, you'll still need to get your ticket validated at the original flight's gate.

39. If you're delayed by weather, airlines aren't required to compensate you. Under "Rule 240," airline employees may transfer your ticket to another carder so you can catch the next available flight--but they don't have to. Politely explain your emergency and use the magic words, "Rule 240, please."

40. Use the wait to join an airline's airport club. None of the airlines we polled allow you to use the clubs on a onetime trial, or pay-per-use, basis but it can't hurt to ask. If you do travel a lot, for around $200 per year plus an application fee, you'll be able to wait in a quieter room with telephones, a ticket agent, and possibly showers.

41. For future reference: Non-stop flights, flights early in the day, and non-holiday weekends are least likely to be delayed.

If Your Only Laptop Battery Dies ...

42. ... in the airport, go to the bar. Look for a table near a wall outlet. It might not be quiet, but at least you'll have a table and a chair--not to mention a glass of whatever.

43. ... on the plane, visit the rest room. Most airplanes still have electric shaver outlets. Be sure to plug your AC adapter into your surge protector before jacking in.

44. ... on the train, try the club Car or rest room shaver outlet, and use a surge protector. Trains are electric, and Amtrak warns about fluctuations.

45. ... on the road, and you don't have an auto adapter, stop at a diner for a cup of coffee. Sit in a wall booth, and ask before you plug in. Most restaurant owners will be happy to oblige.