Etiquette Tips for Corporate Trips

Congratulations! You've finally been invited to fly on your company's jet. No more mixing with the common class in coach. You'll be in the lap of luxury with the top dogs. Here are ten etiquette tips to insure that you'll be invited for a return trip.

1. Be sure that you know the exact location of your departure airport. Corporate jets often avoid the major hubs and fly out of smaller airports. Don't assume you know where to meet the flight and where to park - get explicit directions.

2. Leave plenty of time to get to the airport. The worst mistake you can make is to hold up the departure time for a corporate jet. Don't be late: you'll never get a return invitation.

3. Pack light - this isn't the time to travel with a lot of luggage. Corporate jets are smaller and the luggage space is limited.

4. Carry your own bags and offer to help others. The flight crew is there to pilot the plane - they're not skycaps.

5. Don't grab any seat; other executives may have a favourite. Wait until the senior executives have taken their seats - or ask where you should sit.

6. Have something to eat before the flight and don’t ask for food and drink, unless it is offered. Don't expect much. Some corporate jets have elaborate food spreads - others do not.

7. If you don't have a clue about the corporate culture on your company jet - ask someone who knows. Check with a colleague who has flown on the plane before. If you don't feel comfortable asking, err on the side of conservative, cautious behaviour. Take your cue from others - are they all business, travelling in silence or is everyone discussing golf. Just go with the conversational flow.

8. Don't take souvenirs; it's tacky, tacky, tacky. Remember the fuss when Clinton administration members stripped Air Force One of hand towels and glasses on their last trip? Believe me, everyone will know.

9. Be sure to say hello to the pilot and other members of the flight crew - and say thanks at the end of the flight. Be polite and friendly.

10. Most of all relax and act like you belong on a corporate jet. You may not be earning frequent flyer miles, but you will be gaining face time with the CEO and other senior executives. That's more valuable in the long run.