Get set for the new way to go

We are facing the biggest crisis since the Gulf War a decade ago.

For the business traveller, who often has no choice but to get on a plane or book into a hotel, the problems go beyond even the inconvenience of extra security checks and longer checkin queues. Here is a round-up of what life for the business traveller will be like in the months to come.

AIRPORT CHECK-IN

Security is the number-one priority as passengers become the subject of high-level searches. This will have a knock-on effect on departure and arrival times. We can no longer enjoy the convenience of turning up 45 minutes before departure as we will undoubtedly be turned away. BAA, which operates Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted airports, is asking all passengers to arrive at least two hours before departure. The same goes for Virgin Atlantic, Emirates and British Airways (except for BA's domestic and European services, where business passengers can check in at least one hour before the flight). American, Continental and United Airlines insist that all passengers, including business travellers, arrive three hours prior to departure. Further measures include suspension of telephone check-in across BA's network. Self-service check-in is still possible for those with an electronic ticket and hand baggage only. Turn up at Heathrow or Gatwick and obtain a boarding pass from remote check-in machines or check-in agents upon showing written confirmation before proceeding through security.

HAND LUGGAGE

Bolshie business people carrying more than one item could be forced to surrender the surplus pieces to the aircraft hold. Laptops can be taken on virtually all carriers despite an earlier ban following the US attacks. bmi british midland, like many carriers, is asking passengers to keep hand baggage to a maximum 7kg to speed up security.

HOLD BAGGAGE

US transit passengers now have to pick up baggage at intermediary airports and re-check them in before proceeding, a move that could become widespread. Heathrow and Gatwick are back to normal and passengers no longer have to re-check baggage.

REMOTE CHECK-IN

Across the US, all kerb-side check-in has been suspended in accordance with new US policy guidelines and those who have booked e-tickets must have a printed confirmation document from their airline or travel agent. American Airlines' high-profile Park Avenue check-in locations for business and first-class travellers outside terminals, including London Heathrow, remains suspended, as does its Paddington check-in facility for Heathrow Express passengers.

CHOOSING TICKETS

Avoid bargain, restricted or promotional airline tickets, particularly if they involve indirect flights. The inherent limitations, such as penalties for changes and amendments and not being able to switch to other airlines, will be untenable. Those flight connections that have been feasible, but tight, will no longer be possible, says the Institute of Travel Management (www.itm.org.uk). Anything less than two hours can be considered risky. Business travellers will be far better holding a fully flexible, and, therefore, more expensive, ticket in their hand. "It is a difficult situation," says Paul Allan, chairman of Shepperton-based business travel house Ian Allan Travel. "Flexible tickets can be altered for the return flight, whereas business travellers who downgrade to low-cost airlines or cheaper, restricted tickets won't be able to do that. And even if they stick to scheduled mainline carriers, fewer flights will limit choice."

MEETING PLACES

Allan believes that more business will be carried out at airport hotels to avoid jeopardising a meeting.

PLANS ON HOLD

Question marks remain over whether airlines such as Singapore proceed with plans to introduce new seat-cumflatbeds in business class, due to make their debut on the Heathrow-Singapore route in November. British Airways maintains a commitment to completing installation of its Club World beds with half its long-haul fleet already fitted with the seats.

MORE SPACE

The only good news, it seems, is that the slump in numbers translates to lots of empty seats across the Atlantic and more space for those who are still carrying on business as usual.

MORE DEALS

Promotional and marketing initiatives are likely to hit the corporate sector. One City analyst predicts business travellers could benefit long term from incentives thrown at them by airlines and hoteliers. Don't be surprised to see triple bonus miles, two-for-the-price-of-one offers and other initiatives as fares inevitably will go down.