WorldCity Business Magazine

Sky Warrior

by Mary Dempsey

Joe Sendra is finding it harder and harder to grab time with his young sons. The father of two takes at least four business trips a month within the United States and to as farflung international destinations as China. Last year, Sendra logged 125,000 miles but he’s well on his way to the 200,000-mile mark this year. By mid April he’d already flown 65,000 miles. He’s on the road for Cordis Corp., a Miami Lakes-based subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson that specializes in technology to treat vascular diseases.

What’s the most unsettling thing that’s ever happened on a business trip?

Having to make several emergency landings due to broken planes three times so far. It’s a lot more common than people think.

What are your most frequent business destinations?

New Jersey, London, Atlanta and Puerto Rico.

And your favorite among them?

New Jersey. I think the state is beautiful well, everything but Newark. And it affords me the ability to visit New York City fairly often for dinner.

Do you have a favorite business-travel hotel?

The Grand Hyatt in Shanghai. It feels like you are in the lap of luxury but doesn’t cost like it.

How about restaurants?

I usually like to try something different every time, especially in New York and London.

And shopping?

I use the airport duty free shops heavily!

What really drives you crazy when you’re traveling?

Folks who argue heavily with the people at the check in desk. That check-in job is a thankless one.

What’s your cell-phone service?

I use primarily Cingular and it works everywhere except Japan.

How do you pass the time while in flight?

I read, work, watch movies and sleep.

Do you have a favorite airport? A favorite airport lounge?

Heathrow airport. The flagship Admiral’s Club in Heathrow.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve experienced in an airport?

The most interesting was being met at the plane in Heathrow and being driven in a private car across the airport to my next flight skipping the walking, the buses and the lines! The most innovative is a card reading system in Europe that allows the holder to skip passport control by waving the card at an electronic reader.

Is there an airport you really dread?

Both New York airports: La Guardia and JFK.

What’s the hardest thing about all the travel?

Being away from my wife and kids a lot.

And the best thing about it?

The lack of monotony.

Tell us your best travel tip.

Don’t check anything in unless it is an absolute necessity. The quickest way to ruin a trip is to lose or damage luggage.

Do you have a pre-flight routine?

Cuban food at MIA prior to every flight!