WorldCity Business Magazine

Sky Warrior

by WC

*Shifting status *

Maria Teresa Velasco says she’s having a first-ever experience: She’s seeing her frequent flyer status go backwards on some carriers. “This year I have not been traveling as much as usual so my frequent flier status is going backwards,” she laughs. “I’m sure in the second half of the year it will change but it is funny.” For Velasco, who is from Mexico, traveling less still means hitting the road twice as month with her job at Discovery Networks Latin America/Iberia. And on American Airlines, the carrier she’s most likely to use, there’s no danger of losing her Platinum status.

*What are your most frequent destinations? *Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Chile.

*What’s your favorite business destination? Why? *
Mexico. Mexico is like going back home.

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*Do you have a favorite business-travel hotel? *The Westin Palace in Madrid and the Nikko in Mexico City. Service in both is excellent.

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*How about restaurants? *
In Mexico City, San Angel Inn, and in Madrid, Botn

*What cell phone service do you use when traveling?*AT&T/Cingular. We have international coverage.

*How do you pass the time in flight? *
I read and write. I’m currently reading The Dogs of God. Sometimes I use my laptop, but I try not to if possible. I cannot sleep on flights. I watch movies to get me to sleep a little bit.

*The most interesting thing you’ve seen in an airport? *
I once saw an art exhibit that really caught my attention. If airports offered more cultural events such as art exhibits, the time spent there would be more pleasant.

*Is there an airport you dread? *
Boston.

*What’s the zaniest thing that’s happened on a business trip? *
While traveling on a flight where one of the engines caught fire, one of my colleagues cried out loud: “Houston, we’ve got a problem.” Despite the scary moment, I had to laugh and laugh. I was indeed very nervous, but the unexpected comment made the moment and the situation easier to handle.

*Any pet peeves about travel? *
I dread traveling next to a person who has smoked just before the plane took off. I can easily detect the smell of tobacco, which makes me nauseous. I travel to countries where smoking in public areas is still allowed, which makes traveling uncomfortable.

*What’s the hardest thing about traveling? *
To have your luggage get lost, even if just for a few hours.

*The best thing about traveling on business? *
Every once in a while you get the chance to visit unusual places that, otherwise, you might never have thought of seeing.