Let’s face it: When you’re on a business trip, focusing on work while in flight can be challenging.
So buckle up for some tips on how to get work done on a plane. From choosing the perfect seat to powering up with portable chargers, these travel hacks can take your productivity to new heights.
You must have the right equipment on board to unlock your productivity potential. Before heading to the airport, double-check the rules and pack your carry-on bag with everything you’ll need to conquer tasks and deliver top-notch work.
Here are five tips for bringing the right equipment on your flight.
Check the security screening rules for the countries you’ll be flying to to understand what you can and cannot bring on flights.
In the U.S., those rules are defined by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which allows laptops, tablets, chargers, earbuds, and other small electronics on board. Airlines also have their own rules, particularly regarding the size of your carry-on. Check the size requirements to avoid getting charged a fee for an oversized bag.
Note: Lithium batteries can only be in your carry-on.
Think through everything you’ll need to get work done on the plane. Sometimes, the simple things are easiest to forget, like a pen and notebook. A laptop is obvious but may be useless if you forget your charger. Also, consider whether you need special equipment, like a zip drive, mouse, or stylus.
Lay out everything you plan on bringing and figure out if anything is missing. If you don’t normally work on the go, consider a test run at a coffee shop.
Before you depart, download any necessary files, documents, or offline resources to your device. This helps ensure you have what you need at your fingertips if the in-flight Wi-Fi connection is unstable or you need offline access.
Inventory your apps and files, too, especially if you’re not working on your usual desktop computer. Otherwise, you might get caught without the necessary software or spreadsheets to get the job done.
It’s worth the extra effort and investment to protect your valuable electronics. You’ll be traveling far from home, and anything can happen. You could drop your laptop, or it could get exposed to the elements. Neither rain, snow, sleet, nor beverage cart should damage your equipment.
Use screen protectors and cases to protect your electronics before, during, and after your flight. You can find plastic laptop cases or a laptop bag made of fabric or leather.
A plane is a public space. If you’re dealing with sensitive data — client details, financial information, passwords, etc. — you should proceed with caution. Use a privacy screen to safeguard information, and remember, a Wi-Fi network on a plane isn’t any more private than other public networks. You never know who may be nearby and don’t want company or personal information to fall into the wrong hands.
Frequent business travelers have certain gadgets they consider essential for getting work done on a plane. Here are a few items you may consider packing to enhance productivity during the flight.
Before you check in or take off, you can make a few decisions to set yourself up for a seamless air travel experience. These travel tips and tricks can help you dedicate time to essential tasks.
Select a seat that suits your working style. Consider factors such as proximity to power outlets, a window for natural light, or a seat away from high-traffic areas to minimize distractions. There are pros to different seat locations on the plane:
If your company’s travel policy allows you to get an upgrade, a business or first class seat may be a more conducive environment for getting work done on a plane.
To efficiently work on projects and communicate with your colleagues, verify the Wi-Fi availability and any associated costs before booking. Internet connection availability and cost can vary depending on the airline, the specific aircraft, and the route you’re flying.
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Make sure your laptop is fully charged before you get on the plane. While some airplanes might have power or USB outlets you can use, you’ll likely want a full battery in case the aircraft doesn’t have a place for you to recharge (or if the outlet isn’t functioning).
Eat a healthy and balanced meal with proteins and carbs before your flight. Studies have found that it’s harder to concentrate if you haven’t eaten, and you may find it difficult to work on an empty stomach. If your flight leaves in the morning, eat breakfast at home or grab a bite at the airport.
You packed the right equipment, chose the perfect seat, and even remembered your power adapter. Now it’s time to buckle down and get some work done! These travel tips can help you concentrate and achieve your goals on the go.
While turning on the in-flight TV during your travels may be tempting, it can distract you from doing good work and completing tasks. Avoid the TV at all costs and instead focus on booting up your laptop and pulling up tasks you wish to complete. And while we’re at it, Stay off social media, too. By avoiding distractions, you’re more likely to complete essential projects.
A long flight provides a dedicated block of time free from the usual distractions of daily work life. With limited access to phone calls and meetings, business travelers can focus solely on work tasks. Take advantage of the flight time to accomplish deep work. Complete a project you’ve been meaning to tackle, write a new chapter of your book, or tick off some items on your to-do list.
Meeting new people can be fun, but you should keep the small talk with your flightmates to a minimum if you plan to complete meaningful work during the flight. Whether this means investing in noise-canceling headphones or keeping your eyes on the laptop, reducing distractions will only improve your work habits.
Drink plenty of water during the flight to stay hydrated. Dehydration can affect your energy levels and focus, so have a water bottle handy or take advantage of the plane’s beverage service.
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This content is for informational purposes only. It doesn't necessarily reflect the views of Navan and should not be construed as legal, tax, benefits, financial, accounting, or other advice. If you need specific advice for your business, please consult with an expert, as rules and regulations change regularly.