By Anne Marie Agile

Forget the early flights, delays and jetlag. Look at the benefits of traveling for work.

1- Relax

Use the hours spent in the skies to relax and take some time out. Watch a film, sleep or just sit and think – that solution you’ve been racking your brains for might just suddenly come when your head is in the clouds.

2- Network

Airline lounges, bars, restaurants and even the plane are great places to network with other like-minded business travelers. You never know who you’re likely to find yourself sitting next to so always have your business card handy.

3- Take a Break

If time and budget allows, plan your meetings for a Friday or Monday and turn your trip into a weekend away. Appreciate the many cultural and enriching experiences that travel has to offer and take time to explore your destination.

4- Reap the Rewards

Accumulate air miles and enjoy the benefits from the ‘earn and redeem’ schemes offered by airlines and their partners. Award flights, cabin upgrades and access to airport lounges can all be yours when you travel for leisure.

5- Table for One

Airport restaurants have come a long way from the once soggy burger and now offer an array of chef’s names and international cuisines to get the most discerning of foodies checking in early. Gordon Ramsey’s Plane Food at Heathrow T5 is just one of the many dining experiences to enjoy when traveling.

6- Get off to a Flying Start

Never before have airports been designed with such luxury and sophistication in mind: first rate shopping, spas, restaurants and even art exhibitions can now be found gate side. So, aim to arrive in plenty of time and make the most of the airport experience.

7- Stay in Shape

Whether you feel the need to exercise or relax (or both!) here are some ways to maximize your time in transit. Take a sauna at Helsinki airport, play squash at Qatar’s Hamad International, enjoy a massage at the British Airways Elemis spa at Heathrow, or take a dip in the rooftop pool overlooking the runway at Changi, Singapore.