ASBTA: Almost Half of Small Business Executives Travel Internationally; Require Higher Level of Service; Airports and Airlines Meeting Growing Demand with Larger, Well-Equipped Terminals, More Sophisticated Lounges.

DALLAS -- A recent survey of small business travelers indicated that 45 percent travel internationally, some as frequently as 10 or more times a year, reported the American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA), which recently completed its first comprehensive online travel survey of current and prospective members. ASBTA is a national, non-profit alliance that provides valuable services and functions focused specifically on the travel needs and interests of small business owners.

"Considering there are 25 million small business employees in the U.S., the survey suggests that the number of small business travelers doing business overseas is far greater than previously expected," said Chet Gray, ASBTA vice president of Sales and Marketing. "With such a high proportion of international small business travelers, America's international airports are rising to the occasion and offering more and better services to cater to this segment's specific needs."

For savvy small business travelers, international services such as foreign currency exchanges, shoe shines and US Postal Service mailboxes are no longer enough. They indicate they need business-friendly services like a quiet workspace with fax machines and printers and a choice of WiFi networks. They also want more seating at the gate, better dining options, private showers and more personal services. All of these elements are critical to international business travelers, particularly considering that an overseas flight can often mean at least a two- or three-hour wait at the airport.

Fortunately, several airports have already stepped up to the plate. An October 2003 Travelocity survey indicated that international airports such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago O'Hare and Atlanta Hartsfield are among the top five airports preferred by business travelers, while Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel published an article in May 2004 that cited Dallas/Fort Worth, San Francisco, Chicago O'Hare and Seattle-Tacoma International airports as being among the top ten airports for business customers. These airports are at the top of business travelers' lists for good reason.

At Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, for instance, business travelers with wireless-enabled laptops can choose from at least five WiFi providers in all of the airport's terminals. For travelers without wireless enabled laptops, the airport offers the option of high-speed kiosks and data ports. The airport also offers a wide-array of dining options, as well as personal services such as haircuts, massages and manicures that help save passengers time, as well as give them something to fill the time while waiting for a flight.

Most importantly, the new state-of-the-art international Terminal D at D/FW will make it even faster for international business travelers to get in and out of the airport. Getting to the gate will be easier when using the 8,100-space capacity parking garage equipped with technology that helps guide passengers to open parking. Coming home, passing through customs will be faster thanks to a federal inspection facility capable of handling 2,800 passengers per hour.

At airports like San Francisco International, small business travelers can rent cellular and satellite phones by the day, week, month and even year. Travelers in Salt Lake City and Seattle-Tacoma International airports can rent portable DVD players and movies from a company called InMotion Pictures. Rental times can range from a few hours to an entire trip. For longer waits, the Hilton Hotel at Chicago O'Hare -- the only hotel connected to the airport -- offers passengers the use of a fitness room and a swimming pool for a fee.

The major airlines are also doing their part to make international airports a more productive and convenient place for business travelers. For instance, American Airlines' Admirals Club Executive Centers(R) -- located at Chicago O'Hare, Dallas/Fort Worth International, New York LaGuardia and San Francisco International -- offer travelers the use of computer data ports, speakerphones, slide and data projectors, paper shredders and copiers -- all without requiring an Admirals Club membership. (For more information, visit http://www.aa.com/content/travelInformation/airportAmenities/admirals ClubArticles/meetingAccommodations.jhtml.) (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) Those business travelers with Admirals Club membership can enjoy rest and relaxation at the airline's Admirals Club Lounges, which offer private showers, TV and music lounges, cyber cafes and even a "quiet room."

"Today's sophisticated small business travelers know that their level of productivity during international travel is only as good as an airport's best services," said Gray. "Clearly, many airports have already responded to this, and as airports and airlines realize how important small business travelers are, we're sure we'll see even more of this positive growth."

About ASBTA:

ASBTA is dedicated to educating the small business traveler and promoting the travel industry at large. The American Small Business Travelers Alliance (ASBTA) is a national, non-profit organization serving small business travelers by providing information regarding resources and services, savings on air fares, car rentals, and accommodations, as well as technology designed to improve and enhance your travel experience. To achieve its mission, ASBTA will utilize an integrated communication program while working closely with travel-industry companies that serve small business travelers. If you're a small business owner and want to learn more, visit our site and register free at www.asbta.com. We'd like to better serve you, please fill out the 2005 ASBTA Survey or email us at [e-mail]. You can contact ASBTA by phone at 469-648-0190.