If you or your staff are regular business travellers, you know just how much of a difference it makes when the trip is seamless and stress-free.

From booking the flights to getting to the airport early enough to enjoy the lounge, every part of your journey can impact your productivity. The good news is there are some simple changes you can make to get more out of your upcoming business trips. More time, more points, more sleep – what more could you want? Let’s run through a few tips:

1. The best day of the week to travel

Timing is everything when it comes to booking flights – both in terms of cost and convenience. According to travel industry experts, while Tuesday has long been thought of as the best – and cheapest – day of the week to travel, it’s actually Saturday. However, if you’re looking for a deal then be sure to hang around on Monday nights or Tuesday mornings as this is when many airlines release their sales. There are also specific times that some Aussie airlines have sales on, such as Virgin Australia’s Happy Hour every Thursday. This can make a big difference to the price of travel, especially if you’re booking multiple tickets for your team.

2. Be savvy with travel rewards

Many major hotel chains have rewards programs that can give you some very handy business travel perks. But did you know that booking with certain business cards can also unlock benefits? Even better, putting your business transactions on a business card can have a huge pay-off in terms of points to use on work travel. For example, virtually every dollar you spend on one of American Express Business Cards could help you earn points¹ that can be redeemed for flights, accommodation and car rental. Putting all of your business transactions on a business card could be beneficial in terms of earning points too. With American Express Business Cards, all eligible business spend could earn you points that can be redeemed for flights, for example.¹

3. Take advantage of airport lounge access

If you’ve ever been in a top-notch airport lounge, it’s hard to go back to just sitting by the gate. So look for ways to boost your business travels by getting airport lounge access. While most airlines have a frequent flyer program where you may get a couple of free lounge passes a year, there are also business cards that offer a range of different lounge access perks. The American Express Platinum Business Card, for example, is particularly generous with its benefits. Card members get to relax in more than 1400 airport lounges around the world², with benefits ranging from having a quiet space with Wi-Fi to do your work, to enjoying complimentary food and drinks before your flight. It’s especially stress-relieving for those busy work trips where you’ve got connecting flights or delays.

The Centurion Lounge at Melbourne International Airport. Image: Supplied.

4. Premium economy v business class

When booking domestic or international flights, it’s important to weigh up the benefits of a premium economy versus business class seat. While business class has the most luxurious seating, top-tier service and food and beverage options, premium economy can be a more budget-friendly option without sacrificing too much on comfort. On popular routes like Sydney to Melbourne or Sydney to Singapore, for example, the price difference between premium economy and business class can be huge. By going for the former, you’ll still get extra legroom and priority boarding – all at a fraction of the cost of business class.

5. Beat the transport queue

After a long flight, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a long queue waiting for transport. Fortunately, many airports have started to implement technology that makes pickups much faster and more convenient for travellers. Melbourne Airport, for example, has adopted Uber PIN, which makes for quicker and more organised Uber pickups. The system generates a PIN that you give to the next available driver in the designated pickup area, so you can get on your way and back to business. Business travel doesn’t have to be a source of stress. With these insider tips, you can make your business trips more comfortable and more productive than ever before.

Did you know?

American Express Business Cards reward you for your day-to-day business spend with American Express Membership Reward Points, Qantas Frequent Flyer Points or Velocity Frequent Flyer Points. View the full range of cards to see which works best for your business’ travel needs.

This article is brought to you by Business Builders in partnership with American Express.

1. Earning points (this will depend on which Card you choose): 1.1. For the American Express Platinum Business Card, the American Express Business Explorer Card and the American Express Business Gold Plus Card. Subject to the Terms and Conditions of the Membership Rewards program available here. Eligible spend/purchases do not include Card fees and charges, for example annual fees, interest, late payment, cash advances, balance transfers, traveller’s cheques and foreign currency conversion. Merchants classified as “government“ include the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation (Australia Post), Federal/State and Local Government bodies. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. There may be tax implications associated with participation in the Membership Rewards program. You are advised to check with your accountant or tax adviser for further information. 1.2. For the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card: A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for business. Membership and the earning of Qantas Points as a business are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions. Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions. Your business will earn 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 of everyday spend, which does not include annual fees, late payment fee and fees and charges for foreign currencies. Your business will earn 0.5 Qantas Points per $1 spent at participating merchants classified as ‘utilities’ including gas, water and electricity providers; ‘government’ including the Australian Taxation Office, the Australian Postal Corporation, federal/state and local government bodies; and ‘insurance’ excluding insurances offered by American Express. Industry specific earn rate may apply when you use a payment account, payment aggregator, services of a third party or online retailers that sell goods for another merchant. For example a payment made to Local Government bodies processed through a payment aggregator may earn rates at the government earn rate. Your business will earn 2 Qantas Points per $1 spent on the following Qantas Products and Services purchased on the Qantas merchant account (i.e. directly from Qantas): Qantas passenger flights (with a QF flight number), Qantas Holidays, Qantas Branded non-airfare products, and Qantas Frequent Flyer and Qantas Club membership joining and annual fees. Excludes Jetstar. For the full list of exclusions, please refer to the American Express Qantas Business Rewards Card Points Terms and Conditions. From 10 January 2024, once you have earned a total of 500,000 Qantas Points on your Card Account in a calendar year, your earn rate of 1.25 Qantas Points per $1 spent will change to 0.75 Qantas Points per $1 spent on everyday business purchases. All other earn rates (Qantas products, services and government, utilities and insurances spend) will remain unchanged. The points threshold is based on eligible Qantas Points earned during a calendar year and will be reset on 1 January each year. Qantas Points earned by all Card Members on a Card Account contribute to the 500,000 points threshold each calendar year. Bonus points earned from Acquisition bonus offers and marketing campaigns are excluded from the threshold. 1.3. For the American Express Velocity Business Card:  Points are earned in accordance with and subject to the Velocity American Express Cards Points Terms and Conditions, and exclusions apply. Eligible purchases do not include cash advances and fees and charges for foreign currencies. These do not earn Velocity Points. For the full list of exclusions, please refer to the Velocity American Express Card Points Terms and Conditions available here. The earn rate of 2 Velocity Points per $1 spent on Virgin Australia only applies to purchases made in Australia. 2. The American Express Global Lounge Collection Please note, some lounges may require you to present your physical Platinum Card to gain entry into their lounges. We highly recommend travelling with your physical Card as some lounges may not accept digital Cards.

• Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to all locations of The Centurion Lounge. Gold Card and Green Card Additional Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. All access to The Centurion Lounge is subject to space availability. To access The Centurion Lounge, Platinum Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight and present The Centurion Lounge agent with the following upon each visit: their valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for a departing flight on the same day on any carrier and a government-issued I.D. Note that select lounges allow access to Card Members with a confirmed reservation for any same-day travel (departure or arrival). Refer to the specific location’s access policy for more information. Failure to present this documentation may result in access being denied. Card Members must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Centurion Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. American Express reserves the right to remove any person from the Lounge for inappropriate behavior or failure to adhere to rules, including, but not limited to, conduct that is disruptive, abusive or violent. Soliciting other Card Members for access into our lounge is not permissible. Hours may vary by location and are subject to change. Amenities vary among The Centurion Lounge locations and are subject to change. Card Members will not be compensated for changes in locations, rates or policies. In addition to the complimentary services and amenities in the Lounge, certain services, products or amenities may be offered for sale. You are responsible for any purchases and/or servicing charges you make in The Centurion Lounge or authorize our Member Services Professionals to make on your behalf. Services available at the Member Services Desk are based on the type of American Express Card used to enter the Lounge. American Express will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen or damages suffered by visitors to The Centurion Lounge. If we in our sole discretion determine that you have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with lounge access in any way or that you intend to do so, we may remove access to The Centurion Lounge from the Account. Use of The Centurion Lounge is subject to all rules and conditions set by American Express. American Express reserves the right to revise the rules at any time without notice.
• The Centurion Lounge – Sydney & Melbourne, Australia: Guest access policies for The Centurion Lounges in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia may vary to the Global Lounge Collection terms. For more information on the Australian Lounges access, visit americanexpress.com.au/airportlounge
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion^®Studio Partner: This benefit is available to the Platinum Card. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to all US locations of the Escape Lounges. Card Members may enter with up to two complimentary guests. Card Member must present his or her valid Card, a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Escape Lounge visitors must be of legal drinking age in the jurisdiction where the Lounge is located to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Escape Lounge customers, including access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Escape Lounge locations are subject to change. Additional restrictions may apply.
• Delta Sky Club: Effective January 1, 2024: Effective January 1, 2024: Eligible Card Members travelling on a same-day Delta-operated flight with Basic Economy (E) fare tickets will not have access to the Delta Sky Club or to Grab and Go. This benefit is available to the Platinum Card Members. Platinum Card Members must present their valid American Express Card, government-issued I.D., and boarding pass to the Delta Sky Club ambassador. Boarding pass must show a reservation for a same-day Delta-operated flight (Delta or Delta connection) departing from or arriving at the airport in which the Delta Sky Club is located. Name on boarding pass must match name on the Card. Eligible Platinum Card Members on departing flights can only access the Delta Sky Club within 3 hours of their flight’s scheduled departure time. During a connection between Delta-operated flights on the same ticket, you may use the Delta Sky Club in your connecting airport at any time during the layover. Delta reserves the right to limit access for non-revenue flyers at any Delta Sky Club. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Access to Delta Sky Club partner lounges is not permitted. Individuals must be at least 18 years of age to access Delta Sky Club, and 21 years of age to access locations with a self-service bar, unless accompanied by a responsible, supervising adult who has access to the lounge. Eligible Card Members must adhere to all Delta Sky Club House Rules while accessing participating airport clubs. Participating airport clubs and locations subject to change without notice. Eligible Platinum Card Members may bring guests into the Delta Sky Club subject to the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policies, and must use their valid Platinum Card as the payment method for guest access. Guests must also be flying on a same-day Delta-operated flight. Guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating airport clubs. For the most current Delta Sky Club access and pricing policy, please visit delta.com/skyclub. All Delta Sky Club rules apply to Delta Sky Club membership and use. To review the rules, please visit delta.com/skyclub. Benefit and rules subject to change without notice. Additional restrictions may apply.
• Plaza Premium Lounges: This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Card Members receive complimentary access to any global location of Plaza Premium Lounges. Card Member must present their valid Card, a confirmed boarding pass for same-day travel on any carrier and government-issued I.D. In some cases, Card Member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Card Members may bring up to two (2) guests into Plaza Premium Lounges as complimentary guests. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Card Members and their guests will receive all of the complimentary benefits and amenities afforded to the Plaza Premium Lounge customers, as well as access to purchase non-complimentary items. Some product features may be subject to additional charges. Plaza Premium Lounge locations are subject to change.
• Virgin Australia Access is complimentary for Primary Platinum Card Member and one complimentary guest only. The Primary Platinum Card Member and guest must be travelling with Virgin Australia domestically on the same Virgin Australia flight. Access is to Virgin Australia-branded lounges in Australia only. Name on boarding pass must match the name on Platinum Card and boarding pass must be presented. The Platinum Card Member and guest must present their physical valid Card and same-day boarding pass (containing your Virgin Australia Velocity Frequent Flyer number and status) to Virgin Australia lounge agents. One guest per Primary Platinum Card Member permitted. All access is subject to space availability. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. This benefit is subject to change.
• Priority Pass^™– Platinum Business and Corporate Charge Cards: This benefit is available to Platinum Business and Corporate Charge Card Members. Platinum Card Members and one Employee Platinum Card Member as nominated by the Primary Card Member may enrol in the Priority Pass^™ Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum account are not eligible for complimentary access. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. You acknowledge and agree that American Express will verify your Card Account number and provide updated Card Account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass program and may use this information for marketing related to the program. Once enrolled, Platinum Card Members whose Card Account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass lounges by presenting your Priority Pass card and airline boarding pass. If the Card Account is cancelled, you will not be eligible for Priority Pass and your enrolment will be cancelled. At any visit to a Priority Pass lounge that admits guests, you will be charged the prevailing retail rate for any guests. Some lounges do not admit guests. In some lounges, Priority Pass member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package, and can be viewed at prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrolment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass card and membership package which you should receive within 10-14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 days, please contact American Express using the number on the back of your American Express^® Card. To receive immediate access to the lounges after enrolling in Priority Pass, you can activate your membership online by using your Priority Pass membership details to receive a Digital Membership Card. For a step-by-step guide on the activation process, visit https://prioritypass.com/activation.
• Lufthansa:This benefit is available to Platinum Card Members. Additional Gold Cards and Additional Green Cards on your Platinum Card Account are not eligible for complimentary access. Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to select Lufthansa Business Lounges (regardless of ticket class) and Lufthansa Senator Lounges (when flying business class) when flying on a Lufthansa Group flight. To access the Lufthansa lounges, Platinum Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government issued I.D., and a same-day departure boarding pass showing confirmed reservation on a Lufthansa Group flight (Lufthansa, SWISS and Austrian airlines). Card Members must adhere to all rules of participating lounges. Participating lounges and locations subject to change without notice. Additional guest access and fees subject to terms and conditions of participating lounges. In some Lounges the Platinum Card Member must be at least 18 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. For the most current list of Lufthansa lounges, guest access requirements, rules, and pricing policy, please visit lufthansa.com/de/en/lounges.
• Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges:American Express offers access to additional lounges in the Global Lounge Collection where Platinum Card Members have complimentary access to participating locations. Card Members must present their valid Platinum Card, a government-issued I.D., and a boarding pass showing a confirmed reservation for same-day travel on any carrier. Guest access and associated fees are subject to the terms and conditions of the participating lounge provider. Participation, locations, rates, and policies of lounges are subject to change without notice, and Card Members and their guests will not be compensated for such changes. Amenities, services, and hours may vary by participating lounge and are subject to change without notice. American Express and the participating lounge will not be liable for any articles lost or stolen, or damages suffered by the Card Member or guests inside the participating lounge. For participating lounges with a self-service bar, the Card Member may be required to be of legal drinking age in the participating lounge jurisdiction to enter without a parent or legal guardian. All Card Members and their guests must be of legal drinking age to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly. Each participating lounge may have their own policy allowing for children under a certain age to enter for free with the Card Member who is a parent or legal guardian. Card Member must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that the Card Member or their guests have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with access to participating lounges in any way, or that the Card Member or their guests intend to do so, we may remove access to the Additional Lounges from the Account. American Express and the participating lounge reserve the right to revise the rules at any time without notice. For the most current list of participating lounges and access requirements, please use the Lounge Finder feature in the American Express App or visit americanexpress.com/findalounge.