Check the aircraft seat configuration

When it comes to seat assignments, knowing your options is critically important. There are Web sites that will tell you everything you want to know about specific seats on virtually every type of aircraft, including which seats to avoid.

I recommend: Before you make your reservation check seating charts on SeatGuru.com, SeatExpert.com, or the seat maps at the OAG (Official Airline Guide) Web site.

Tap into benefits for frequent flyers

Join a couple of frequent flyer programs if you don’t already belong. Pledge your loyalty to just a few airlines, those that fly the most extensive routes AND go where YOU need to go. Your ever-increasing mileage status will help move you into the “reserved” zone at the front of the aircraft or get those preferred seats for free that others must pay for.

I recommend: Check out airport websites for your primary departure and destination cities---who flies in and out, and how often? Visit the airline websites of the airlines best suited for you and join their frequent flyer programs. As you rack up the mileage, you’ll improve your chances of getting a better seat too.

Take advantage of the perks of airline “soft dollar” programs

Look into your preferred airlines’ business perks programs specially designed for small-and midsize businesses. One of the big benefits is the upgrade certificates you’ll earn; use them to move out of “crunch zone” into an economy-plus, business or first class seat. Important note! By enrolling in both a frequent flyer program and a business perks program, you’ll earn points/miles both places.

I recommend: Most airlines offer benefits to business travelers. United Airlines does it through its “PerksPlus” program. Look for Northwest’s BizPerks, Delta’s SkyBonus, American’s Business ExtrAA, Continental’s RewardOne. The discount carriers do it too: check out AirTran’s a2B, Frontier’s Business Travel Program (BTP) and JetBlue’s TrueBlue frequent flyer program.

Be smart about the best days to travel

All days of the week are not created equal when it comes to business travel. Depending on the routes you most typically travel, there are times of the day and entire days to avoid because aircraft are crammed with other business travelers like you.

I recommend: For speedy air searches, use SideStep, Kayak, and Mobissimo (rated best for international carriers). Check the airline Web sites too for Internet-only specials in business and first class.

Listen to the experts

There are frequent business travelers and Web sites that will share their upgrade tricks and better-grade-of-service deals with you, usually for the price of a subscription to their newsletter.

I recommend: Subscribe to First class Flyer by upgrade guru Matthew J. Bennett. Check out the e-mail alert newsletter at Cheap Flights. Log on to Flyer Talk to get advice from other travelers.

Use a travel agency that uses seat-search software

Consider turning your travel management program over to a business travel agency that has sophisticated seat assignment technology.

I recommend: Use the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) site to narrow down your search for a business travel agent. At the NBTA (National Business Travel Association)’s website, look for business travel agencies among the state-by-state list of Allied Members.