Working as a locum tenens professional provides many valuable experiences in different environments and locations. Keeping certain airline travel tips in mind can ease travel burdens for locum tenens.
Airline Travel Tips for Locum Tenens
Being a locum tenens professional means you’ll have many opportunities at various hospitals and medical facilities across the country and maybe even around the world. While traveling is often part of the experience of filling temporary vacancies, it can also present some unique challenges and potential problems. Be as prepared as possible for necessary airline travel by heeding these airline travel tips for locum tenens.
Take Advantage of Frequent Flyer Miles
Since you’ll likely need to travel by airplane on a frequent basis as a locum tenens professional, look into frequent flyer programs offered by the airlines that you regularly use. Some hospitals may pay for travel expenses or reimburse you for any out-of-pocket, travel-related expenses. Even so, you may still be able to accumulate miles that you can use for your other travel needs.
Pack Lightly for Short-term Assignments
Avoid hassles with luggage or the possibility of having to deal with lost bags by traveling as lightly as possible. Plan what you’ll need to wear ahead of time based on the climate and what’s accessible where you’ll be working. Most temporary physicians or health care workers prefer to keep clothing colors neutral, such as basic black, beige and white.
Get to the Airport Early
Attempt to get to the airport early to avoid unexpected delays with the screening and boarding process. Check on traffic conditions and plan other routes if possible because missing one flight could set off a domino effect and result in missing connecting flights. Also, keep the 3-1-1 rule for liquids in mind to avoid issues with TSA screening.
If you find yourself experiencing some unexpected travel delays as you fly from one assignment to another, keep your recruiting agent informed. Most hospitals and medical facilities will understand if there are unavoidable issues such as flight delays because of bad weather. However, if there’s an urgency to have an extra helping hand, they may be able to make alternate travel plans to get you there.
References:
[1] http://lifehacker.com/a-beginners-guide-to-airline-miles-1592887319
[2] http://blog.tortugabackpacks.com/packing-light-tips/
[3] https://www.tsa.gov/travel/frequently-asked-questions/what-3-1-1-liquids-rule
[4] https://www.staffcare.com/4-travel-tips-for-next-locum-tenens-assignment/