06/ 01/ 2005
by Lena Basha
You arrive at the airport and are greeted with a security line a mile long. When you board the plane, there’s no room for your small bag because the storage bins are stuffed with suitcases that definitely should have been checked. And when you finally get settled in your seat, a baby starts wailing. Annoyed yet?
These scenarios are a traveling business person’s worst nightmare, according to the new Business Travel Barometer study, commissioned by Carlson Wagonlit Travel. Thirty-two percent of the 1,200 business travelers surveyed say their biggest pet peeves are passengers who don’t check bags when they should. Thirteen percent said crying babies were their biggest air-travel annoyance.
Plan ahead so these things don’t get to you, says Simma Lieberman, a consultant specializing in stress management. “When possible, get there early,” she says. “And bring something to do while you’re waiting in the security line.” Once you’re on the plane, the best way to avoid being stressed is to keep yourself occupied with a crossword puzzle, book or your favorite music, says Lieberman. “Learn to let go of things you can’t control and tune them out.”
Carry On >>>
A new book by Darrin Zeer offers the perfect pick-me-up for weary road warriors. Travel Yoga describes restful stretches and mind relaxation techniques for planes, trains and automobiles. Its pocket-sized shape makes it easy to stow away. And with stretches such as the Flight-Got-Bumped Rag Doll, you’ll be feeling rested even on red-eyes.
