Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Five ways to make long flights more productive
Every business traveler has said or heard: "I'll get to it on the plane." By the time your bags are stowed safely overhead, however, it occurs to you that the flight won't be long enough for everything on your list. The problem I've seen is that most business travelers don't use this distraction-free environment as effectively as they could. If you could get more out of your flights, you'll have more elbow room in your schedule when you touch down. So, here are five ways to help you get the biggest bang for your time on board.
1. The flight starts at the gate
While you're waiting to board, find a power outlet, and plug in. pick up a wireless connection, and take care of e-mails. This seems obvious, but distractions can encroach. When you're going through your inbox, focus on anything that seems most likely to matter when you're on the plane: reassess your priorities. The unimportant can wait (or be addressed via Blackberry when you're waiting for the door to close).
2. Get an extra battery
I'm still amazed at how many times I've seen business travelers shut down because the juice is gone. Ask your employer for an extra battery – you'll have a few more hours of high-octane work time.
3. Print what doesn't have to be electronic
This is especially true if you can't score that extra battery. Do on paper what can be done on paper, and save the battery life for work that must be done on your laptop. You're effectively increasing the value of your battery.
4. Set goals
Don't try to deal with everything. Determine what you want to accomplish on the flight, and zero in on it. If you have time left over, you can work on other things (or, better, sleep). Be realistic when you define your objectives. If you aren't, you'll be perpetually frustrated.
5. Know when to stop
If you're close to exhaustion or just can't get your mind to work, take the hint. A plane isn't the ideal office environment). Close your laptop. Put down your pen. Ask for some pill water, and let someone else suffer at your expense for a change!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jerome Oct 20th 2009 9:01PM
Airline club rooms are an important element in productivity for me when I have long flights. I try to get to the airport at least an hour earlier than I really have to for domestic flights and two to three hours for international flights. That provides insurance against unexpected delays from traffic or road blockages. It also allows me to relax and not worry about making the flight. At the airport I go right to the airline club room (UA Red Carpet Club in my case) or the Star Alliance Gold club rooms internationally. I can settle in, have a snack, hook in the wifi, and deal with any last minute e-mails and file transfers. Upgrades and seat changes can be done at the clubs.
On board I have about three hours of battery life unless there are power plugs. United is pretty bad on that score, while Virgin America has standard power plugs at EVERY seat. On international flights I fly in business class and almost always have an operating power socket. For domestic flights I am able to work with my computer for at least 60% of the flight time. Supplementary batteries are now available for a few hundred dollars that can add another six to ten hours of operating time, for those who must work on international flights but are forced to fly coach (think US government travel regulations).