Keep Summer Gas Prices From Exhausting Your Budget

As if inflated ticket prices weren't enough, Cordle says air travelers should keep an eye out for airlines attempting to generate revenue through other means like increased fees for extra baggage or weight.

Cordle says the airline industry is still struggling and could see more bankruptcies and consolidation. This means more hassles for business travelers facing delays or even canceled flights.

Montgomery suggests signing up for alerts offered by airlines that deliver flight status information via email, voicemail or text message. "But don't trust it," warns Montgomery. "You want to call before you leave for the airport to make sure that your flight is actually going."

Another idea from Montgomery in preparation of delays is to program various numbers into your cell phone before you get to the airport. She recommends the number of your airline, hotel, car rental company and travel agent so you're able to change your itinerary on the fly.

Get Creative

There are, of course, less complicated solutions than planning to change your plan. Here are a few other tips businesses can employ to help alleviate high summer gas prices:

• Carpool

• Web conference

• Ride a bike

• Telecommute

• Reschedule air travel for off times

• Offer work-from-home days

• Increase work hours Monday through Thursday and offer Fridays off

One of the toughest elements of running a business is overcoming the uncontrollable. Smart business owners, however, can overcome high summer gas prices and coast on cruise control by preparing now.