OAG Worldwide
3025 Highland Mark Way,
Suite 200 Downers Grove, Ill. 60515
630.515.3206
http://www.frequentflyer.oag.com
The Wind-Up
While daily newspapers and the newsweeklies have in recent years incorporated business travel as a regular part of their coverage, Frequent Flyer is the granddad of them all,
having launched in 1980 even before the term "frequent flyer" was part of the national lexicon. The monthly publication (100,000-circ.), inserted in the front parts of sister
publications Flight Guide Worldwide, Flight Guide North America and Executive Flight Guide North America (and its Latin American version), targets the hardcore road warrior, or
business executive who spends most of his or her time 30,000 feet above the trees. Talk about a captive audience. Since the publication covers all aspects of business travel and
related industries, it presents PR execs with ample opportunity to get their clients exposure. Recent edit includes "The Changing Landscape of Business Travel," which offered an
in-depth look at changes in new air routes and services, hotel expansions, airport construction and security measures both at home and abroad. "Inside the Hubs" tracks how
airport clubs, lounges, stores and restaurants are faring and includes a listing of hotels that can be accessed through the terminals. "There's a whole industry out there that
depicts biz travel as just this side of torture," says Lisa Davis, editor of Frequent Flyer. "Our goal is to show that travel can be fun. We strive to make readers' trips easier,
faster, more enjoyable, and we help them get more value for their money." The publication also covers the nexus of travel and global issues, including the effects the September 11
attacks and SARS continue to have on the travel industry. A great vehicle is the 'In Brief" section, newsier items on products and/or services that are designed to make business
trips easier. 'In Brief' pitches should go to Davis, [email protected].
The Pitch
Although the magazine has stiffer competition these days from the likes of The New York Times and Time, for example, Frequent Flyer's correspondents have been covering business
travel for more than 20 years and bring a high degree of authority to the coverage, whether it's a piece on how low-fare air carriers like JetBlue are impacting the industry or
the Top 10 golf resorts for business retreats. (The "Top 10" travel-related lists are regular features on the magazine's Web site and run periodically in print.) Both e-mails and
voice mails are fine for the initial point of contact. Leave two months out for pitches. Realize, however, that some correspondents have other jobs so it may take a day or so for
them to get back to you. For safety and security stories, features, China and regional updates (new air routes and services, hotel expansions, etc.) for the United States --
except the western states -- contact Jerry Chandler, [email protected]; for general business travel, airfares, health and analysis of
current events, pitch Paul Finney, [email protected]; for international business travel stories contact Terri Morrison, [email protected]; for stories focusing on travel strategies that save money and time, give a holler to Chris Barnett, [email protected]. Barnett also writes a "Cheers" column, where he gives the juice on the best saloons and bars for business travelers. Josh Taylor, [email protected], covers mobile technology and Harvey Chipkin, [email protected], tracks
hotels. If you don't hear back from them within a reasonable period, feel free to pitch Davis. Some of the areas the publication plans to beef up in 2004 include international
business travel, how to combine business travel with pleasure, e.g. side trips, new locales, and choice restaurant and bar recommendations for "closing the deal." The magazine
will also be taking a closer look at issues that affect women business travelers. Since Working Woman folded in 2001, there's been a big void in the female-traveler market.