Don Shindle, who has worked in hospitality for 30 years, also coached collegiate and professional football, winning the Grey Cup in 2000 with the BC Lions. He oversees such Intrawest properties as the Westin Trillium House at Blue Mountain in Collingwood, Ont., and Westin resorts in Florida and California.
Mileage: Two dozen business flights per year -- close to 100,000 miles or more. On average I fly twice a month to Mammoth, Napa and Orlando, and on occasion to our head office in Vancouver. I fly coach. Being responsible for the company, it's not necessary for me to fly business class.
What do you pack for business trips?
I've learned to pack as little as possible. I'll wear the same suit on the plane, instead of changing on the way to and from [flights], or use the hotel's overnight cleaners. I have a case similar to a hanging bag that allows me to fold up suits into three.
Have you noticed any differences between the airports in Florida and California?
I like the simplicity of the Orlando airport. The interior is tired, but it's convenient to get to your gates. I've had challenges in San Francisco for whatever reason. Going to Napa, I've had occasions when the rental company didn't have enough vehicles for the reservations and I had to stay an extra night. Delays with luggage, fog -- there always seems to be something. If you're renting a car [at San Francisco], make sure you're upgraded and it's confirmed.
What about between Canadian and American airports in general?
I find security lines typically longer in the U.S., but no significant differences. I do love the Vancouver airport. It's one of the most beautiful, and I love what they've done with the cultural art. The sense of arrival is far better than anywhere. However, Boston's Logan airport has a sense of arrival inferior to other places. Waiting for taxis at the exit is congested, bottlenecked and dark, whereas the whole Vancouver airport experience is quite pleasant.
What are the most useful tricks you've learned for frequent travel?
Print your boarding pass using 24-hour check-in before you get to the airport and have the documentation you need -- do it all before you get into a series of lines. And I don't wear laces on shoes when I go to the U.S.; I wear loafers. There'll be a crowd of people past security wrestling with their shoelaces. Just slip your shoes back on and away you go.