Once upon a time, warriors picked up their swords, shields and set off for months or years on end to conquer foreign lands. Today?s business class warrior needs to be kitted up differently as he sets out to conquer the world ? and he needs to master a new set of rules.

Check fares and tariffs

nSince time is of essence, it?s best to schedule flights as early in the day as possible, so in event of flight delays, you have a chance to catch another flight that day. And never forget to tot up your frequent flyer miles. It?s worth comparing fares and hotel tariffs. Nowadays, the best way to do this is over the Internet. Always keep an eye open for special offers. If you are willing to put up with slight inconveniences, check out if there are special rates for early morning or late night flights. Also, these days it?s worth checking out the budget airlines.

Pack right

nIt goes without saying that you should travel light, if possible. The ultimate airline passenger?s dream is to carry only handbaggage which saves oodles of time at airports. If you are changing flights, check out your baggage at each stop. Why? That lowers the chances of baggage that?s gone to Saigon when its owner is in Toronto.

Travel to your destination by the most direct route. The fewer flights you have to take en route, the less likely are you to be delayed and tired. If you need to be dressed for a business meeting soon after arriving, wear a suit or carry one onto the plane. The rumpled, just-off-the-plane look isn?t great for business meetings.

One basic tip is to pack clothes of the same colour scheme so mixing-and-matching becomes easy. Blacks, blues and greys are the best for men while women have a wider choice. It?s best to pack crease-resistant clothes: cotton and polyester blends do not wrinkle as much as pure cotton. Travelling with linen could make you look elegant ? but just out of bed. Before you zip up, spray your favourite perfume on tissue paper and fold it together with the clothes. That way, the clothes smell good, and the perfume can stay home.

Shoes take up space in a suitcase so opt for pairs that can be worn during the day for meetings and are smart enough to wear for the formal dinner at night.

Frequent travellers always keep a permanent toiletry kit handy ? one that is complete with lotions, potions and the usual items one needs when on the road. However, pack the lotions in small containers and don?t fill them to the top as changes in aircraft pressure cause leaks.

During a flight

nTo arrive in better shape, set your watch to your destination time as you take off. Then start programming your body to it. On-board, if you travel economy frequently, ask for a seat at an emergency exit and you?ll be thankful for that extra legroom. But if you?d rather catch up on sleep, then it?s best to ask for a quiet seat ? one away from the galley or the toilets. A good night?s sleep will always stand you in good stead if you are going straight into a meeting on arrival.

Eat lightly on-board. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages. A glass of water every hour is good and don?t drink the free bar dry just to pass time! It never helps to arrive at a meeting with bloodshot eyes and smelling like a brewery.

Extra Shots

nSince you are travelling on business, the utility of business cards is obvious. A must-carry is a medical kit complete with your prescription and prescription drugs. Always take into account the security and safety risks to your gadgetry. So never leave your mobile gear unattended ? preventative measures will save you grief later when you try to restore data and replace the equipment.

Get it right, and living out of a suitcase can be easy and pleasurable.