Even the shortest flights can take up a lot of time, which is especially inconvenient when you have a lot of work to get through during a business trip. Between getting to and from the airport, going through security and boarding the flight, the time (mostly spent hurry up and waiting) adds up. We’ve compiled a few tips to help you make the most of your time on the plane.
Plan ahead
Create a to-do list with the tasks that are most crucial and focus on those things first. I usually plan to work on writing projects while flying because I know I’ll have an uninterrupted chunk of time to focus, and it’s generally not a task reliant on Wi-Fi. Experiment with long and short tasks to find out what format works well for you.
Grab a snack
Being hungry can cause you to lose focus and energy, so be sure to pack a snack or grab something at the airport. Try to go for foods rich in proteins and healthy fats, like trail mix with dried fruit or nuts or apple slices with nut butter. It’s also a good idea to skip the alcohol and hydrate instead.
Don't count on Wi-Fi to have a productive flight
Download everything you need to get work done before heading to the airport. While you’ll likely have access to Wi-Fi at the airport and on your flight (though it’s not always reliable or cheap), it’s better to be prepared and keep in mind that the speeds will be much slower than your usual connection.
Bring a book
Do you have a stack of industry or career growth books you’ve been meaning to read? Bring one with you! This is a great way to feel productive when you’re tempted to turn on a movie and check out, and it’s easier to get back into work-mode with fresh ideas and motivation when you need a break.
Charge your devices
Pack chargers for all your devices and make sure they are easily accessible for when you need them. I try to sit near an outlet at the airport and charge my laptop fully before getting on the plane, so I can go most of the flight without being plugged in.
Pack a notebook
Some of your best brainstorming sessions could happen on the go. Having a notebook in your bag makes it easy to jot down a quick idea or take notes before you forget your train of thought (especially the times when you can’t easily be on your laptop). And your pen will come in handy too during international travel when you have to fill out customs and immigration forms.
Listen to your body
You know that time between when you board and when you can use your laptop? That’s a fantastic time to meditate (there are all sorts of apps to help) or take a power nap, as you’ve probably had an early morning and are preparing to adjust to a time-zone change. Have some tips of your own to share? Tweet us @TripIt.
