THE PRO

Chris McGinnis logs over 100,000 frequent-flier miles a year. He shares his tricks for making business travel easier

If there's anybody who knows about business travel, it's Chris McGinnis. His face and name may look familiar to regular CNN viewers- that's because he used to be the news channel's regular travel correspondent (he still appears in different news programs as a travel expert). Today, San Francisco-based Chris is the director of Travel Skills Group, a consulting firm specializing in the businesstravel industry, and the editor of The Ticket, a monthly newsblog for US-based travelers found in travelskills.com. He also writes regular newsletters for Fortune 500 companies, leads seminars and training courses for business travelers, and has written two books, 202 Tips Even the Best Business Travelers May Not Know and The Unofficial Business Travelers' Pocket Guide. Whew! How does he do it all? Maybe it's because, he says, "I'm not a big fan of bringing significant others on business trips. Someone always ends up frustrated!"

What airlines do you like to take for business travel?
I'm recently enamored of Virgin America, which is based in San Francisco and flies to New York, LA, Las Vegas, Washington, and other cities. The entire experience-from booking online, to the airport, and onboard its new Airbus A320-is playful, professional and positive. Such a far cry from the mostly dismal experience offered by most other US carriers. For transpac flights, I like Korean Air and the modern lounges at Incheon Airport, Seoul. Plus, it's one of the few remaining carriers to offer champagne and caviar in first class.

Which hotels around the world do you prefer to stay in?
In New York, the Affinia Dumont hotel-it offers efficiencystyle suites with kitchenettes, huge desks, and sweeping views of Manhattan and the East River. It's a relative bargain compared to most of the overpriced hotels around Midtown and Times Square. In London, The Ritz. It's expensive, ostentatious and forbidding to many, but when you are a guest there, you feel coddled and cared for in a very special, very British way In Sydney, the Park Hyatt, with its waterside location looking out at the Opera House. It's got an open-air lobby during the summer and lots of big windows, and a serious business edge with everything you would ever want for a small meeting. In San Francisco, Hotel Vital, across the Ferry Building Marketplace. Most rooms have majestic views of the Bay Bridge. It's wired for business travel, and its Americano Restaurant & Bar is a hip, fun scene.

What restaurants or bars do you like to hold business lunches or dinners in, or to unwind in after work?
My favorite is The Rivoli Bar, a tiny but elegant spot tucked away off of The Ritz London's lobby. It's like having a cocktail in a jewel box. It's a perfect place to meet up with a client before dinner, or to relax at the end of the day. When I'm alone in New York, I always head for Bar III on the third floor of Bergdorf Goodman Men's. It's a bistro hidden among all the designer clothing. I like the simple menu, fast service, wine list, and the people-watching.

Any special services that business travelers might not know about?
US Helicopter offers flights between JFK International Airport and Manhattan. After a long flight, there is nothing worse than being stuck in an uncomfortable cab for the ride into Manhattan, especially when there is traffic. With US Helicopter, you buzz right over all that, and the price is much less than you'd expect. Occasionally, there are specials that bring the cost down to about what you'd pay for a car service.