WorldCity Business Magazine

Sky Warrior

by WC

Bill Johnson hasn’t only gotten his sea legs since he became director of the Port of Miami-Dade in June, he’s also gotten his wings. That’s because the job entails frequent flying around the world to exchange ideas with opposite numbers at other ports and it also requires his attendance at conferences in various far-flung locations. Johnson, quick to dispel the notions of glamour attached to building up air miles, told an audience at the annual State of the Ports address Feb. 7 that his itinerary in recent months had included a 24-hour whistle stop tour of Marseilles.

No doubt his experiences on the road he makes between 25 and 30 trips a year have helped him to empathize better with the 3.7 million cruise passengers who passed through the seaport in 2006, some of whom told the director by e-mail when their experiences were less than shipshape.

Where do you most often travel??
New York and Washington, D.C.

Your favorite among them?
New York.

Do you have a favorite business hotel?
Yes.?It would have to be the Westin brand in any town.

Why?
You know what to expect. There are few surprises.

What about restaurants you patronize?
I enjoy the experience of new restaurants. I can’t name any in particular but I always like to sample authentic local cuisine.

And how do you pass the time in flight?
On domestic flights, I read. When I take an international flight, I listen to music and I sleep.

What about in the airport between flights or waiting to depart?
Between flights, I catch up on my paperwork. It is never-ending.

Do you have a favorite airport? A favorite airport lounge?
Madrid’s new airport is beautiful and functional.?It is modern and efficient. However, I am nothing if not loyal so I have to say that Miami International Airport’s AmericanAirlines Admiral Club is a nice lounge.

What’s the most innovative service you’ve seen at an airport?
It used to be the spa services, but now that is fairly common.

Is there an airport you really dread?
London’s Heathrow Airport. London’s Heathrow is just depressing which is unfortunate since London is a great city.

What’s the hardest thing about traveling on business?
The bed. After a while, you miss the comfort of your own bed.

Do you have a pre-flight routine?
I like to arrive early because you never know what delays you’ll encounter, and it’s always nice to relax in the lounge rather than be rushed.

Do you shop on the road?
Seldom. I don’t have the time and I like to be frugal. It comes with the job.

Any business travel tips?
The usual drill: Dont drink alcohol on long flights; drink lots of water. WC