After building a lot of frequent flyer miles from his business-related travel, Chris McGinnis applied his skills as a consultant to teach his coworkers about maximizing their experience. When he realized this was something he could do full time, he jumped at the opportunity. He wrote for local news outlets before picking up a regular gig with CNN, which cemented his expertise as a business travel expert.
Today, he is one of the leading authorities on business travel as the director the Travel Skills group, and the host of the Travel Skillz chat on Twitter. He’s an expert in business travel, having been featured inn CNN, BBC, the Wall Street Journal and many more.
On this episode, we discuss how Chris stays relevant in today’s changing landscape, the future of frequent flyer mile programs, how business travelers can get the most out of their work travel opportunities.
Note: Chris mentions that he expects United Airlines to follow Delta in their revenue based model — in which you earn miles for how much you spend rather than how far you fly. Just this month, United did exactly that. So pay attention to what Chris has to say because clearly he knows his stuff.
On this episode, we discuss…
- How Chris stays relevant in today’s changing landscape,
- The future of frequent flyer mile programs,
- How business travelers can get the most out of their work travel opportunities
- Revenue based earning: what is it, and why it’s overdue and likely to be the future of frequent flyer miles – and how that effects travel hackers
Words from an Explorer
“Use the travel that’s been given to you by your company as a stepping stone for your own travel.”
Chris’ Best Travel Advice:
- The First Step: Allow yourself the room to explore. Don’t overplan. Also, pickup a few phrases, or learn a few things (customs or facts), it goes a long way with the people in the places you go. Even if you’re terrible, demonstrating the effort can endear you to the locals you meet. Let the people you meet guide your travels.
- Money Saving Tip: Travel during the quietest times of the year. For example, in early April (this year), there’s a window between Spring Break and Easter. Traveling in May rather than the summer months can save hundreds, if not thousands, on airfare alone. Right before Thanksgiving is a great time to find deals. The first 2-3 weeks of December and January are the cheapest times to travel with last minute deals popping up everywhere.
- Packing: Don’t stress over packing because you can always buy something wherever you go. Having to buy something gives you an excuse to explore the shops of your destination.
- Favorite Internet Travel Resource: There’s no single best website for finding deals. You have to do your homework.
- Favorite Travel Gear: Chris loves his rolling carry on, which he’s learned how to live from.
- Favorite Travel Book: The Unofficial Business Traveler Pocket Guides by Chris McGinnis
- Weirdest Food: Jellyfish and Sea Cucumber (“it’s a slug!”), in Shanghai, China
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