Business travel tip: Book flights early, and book an early flight

Book flights early...

It's an odd balancing act: to get the best price on an airline ticket, you have to book early. But in these days of non-refundable fares and hefty fees for changes, booking too early is a risk.

I generally try to confirm a customer visit three weeks in advance. That's plenty of time to purchase airfare to get a 14-day advance rate, but not so far ahead that my class is likely to cancel or be rescheduled.

... and book an early flight

Even though it's a hassle to get to the airport in time for an early flight, there are good reasons to do so. If the flight cancels, there will usually be later ones the same day. Also, you'll arrive at your destination while it's still light, which makes it easier to scout out the class location.