How to Get Work Done on a Plane
With so much to do in so little time, it's useful to maximize your travel time
5 Min Read
5 Min ReadWhile traveling is a vacation for some people, for others the airplane seat becomes their 30,000-foot-high office. For some people, working on a plane is usually the last thing they want to do. Especially after you’ve been navigating airports and surviving layovers. For others, a plane is a place where they can focus their full attention on one thing. This is because there are limited distractions from their phones or from people around them.
Pre-flight
Here are a few steps to take before leaving for the house and heading to the airport that will help maximize your efficiency during travel time.
Check out the WiFi situation
First off, if you’re planning on being productive during a plane ride, chances are you’ll need to be connected to the internet. While booking your flight, make sure you select an airline with WiFi and take a close look at the rates they offer. Travel search websites, such as Routehappy, can help with this.
Download and research in advance
There are several situations where things might go wrong and you might be left without an internet connection. For example, if an airline swaps out your aircraft for a plane that doesn’t have WiFi at the last minute, or the on-board WiFi isn’t working fast enough. To prevent being stuck in such dilemmas, be sure to download all of your emails, any research, or important documents before getting on the plane.
Have a realistic plan
Create a to-do-list with a solid plan of exactly what work you want to get done. Traveling is tiring and altitude takes a toll on your mental state. Therefore it’s a good idea to complete lighter and more mindless tasks. How much you get done obviously depends on the length of your flight. So, it’s important you only choose which projects will be best achieved in the time you have.
Choose the right tech
Using a laptop on a plane can be uncomfortable, especially if you’re sitting in a tight space. The best is to work with a smaller device, such as a small laptop, tablet or even your mobile phone. Not only will it make your carry-on lighter but it will also mean you have more room on your in-flight workstation for other things such as papers or your drink of choice. It can also be a good idea to purchase a screen privacy protector. This will allow you to work on sensitive projects without having your neighbor look over your shoulder.
Make sure all your tech is fully charged
Though power is usually available on most aircrafts these days, it’s best to board with a fully charged device. Nevertheless, pack a charger for each of your devices, as well as a back-up USB charger in case of an emergency. Also, carry a universal power adaptor so you’re covered for any type of plug or port.
Pack noise-canceling headphones
When you’re deep in the zone, you don’t want to hear announcements, loud chatter, or crying babies. These are all sources of distraction that can easily be prevented with a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Two of the most highly recommended ones are Bose QuietComfort 35 II, or the Sennheiser noise-canceling wireless headphones.
Working before boarding
Once you’ve arrived at the airport, checked in, and have passed through security, you may have some more time to kill. You could roam around duty-free and treat yourself to a new cologne. But, you could also use that time to squeeze in a bit more work.
Airport WiFi
Nowadays, most airports offer free WiFi (either for a limited amount of time or unlimited at a cost). Foursquare is an extremely useful application that provides you with tips about WiFi passwords and where to find charging outlets.
Working in the business lounge
Lounges are usually more comfortable than the average terminal and come with nice perks such as free food and beverages, as well as free (and stronger) WiFi. Some even have their own computers, and printing and scanning facilities should you need a hard copy of something on the plane or on arrival. The only catch is that to access a lounge you either have to pay for a membership (which as a frequent flyer is totally worth it) or purchase a day-pass.
During your flight
You’ve finally boarded your flight and are taking off! Take some time to get adjusted and familiarize yourself with your setting before getting into the grind.
Make the most out of the space available
In business and first-class, airlines typically offer plenty of space for you to get work done and stay comfortable with some privacy. However, this certainly won’t be the case if you’re traveling in economy. Make sure to only keep the essentials with you and store the rest in the overhead storage compartments. It’s also a good idea to try and get a seat in the exit row. That way you’ll have that extra bit of legroom.
Ask when the meals will be served
Ask one of the crew members about the approximate time of meals and refreshments. If you know how much time you have to work with before your meal arrives, you can choose a task to complete without having to stop and clear off the tray table.
Offline work
Take some time to completely disconnect from your phone or computer. Take advantage the fact that you have time to reflect and think. You can just let your mind wander of put your thoughts onto paper. Writing the old way can be extremely therapeutic. And you’ll be surprised by how much you can actually get done offline.
Don’t forget to relax
It’s great to stay productive when traveling. However, it’s also important to take some time for yourself to just relax.
On a plane ride, if there’s no pressing work to deal with take a nap, read a book, do a crossword, or take advantage of the in-flight entertainment. After all, traveling is exhausting enough and you don’t want to arrive at your destination completely worn out.
