WORKING ON THE FLY: 5 TIPS FOR WORKING ON A FLIGHT
Preparation
Preparation is essential! Have both your phone and laptop fully charged before you take off. If you need the internet for work, check to see what kind of wifi is provided on your flight. Don’t be caught off guard by spotty wifi. Download all of the documents you need ahead of time just in case you don’t have internet access. Be sure to have some sort of alternative or work that you can get ahead on without having to use the internet. Last but not least, some of us use music or podcasts to zone out while we work. If you’re like me, be sure to create a playlist beforehand and make it available offline. DON’T FORGET TO BRING YOUR HEADPHONES!
Set goals and block out time
Have a checklist ready of tasks you want to have done before the flight lands. Tackle the most important things first and work your way down. It helps to block out time for each task and breaks. Once you have that down, it will help you find a rhythm that works best for your productivity.
Food and hydration
These two are VERY important. Not a fan of pre-packaged food and tiny water bottles? Grab a bite to eat and a water bottle that’s suitable enough to keep you hydrated at the airport prior to your flight. If you’re not hungry at that moment, grab something that won’t perish quickly and save it for later! Trust us, your future self will thank you. You can also pack some mixed nuts or dried fruit to snack on in between time. It will keep your concentration, keep your energy going and your work flowing.
Comfort
We all know tight spaces can be tough to get comfortable in. It doesn’t help when you’ve got your laptop, phone, chargers and any other essentials to get work done. There are two ways to tackle this. You can either upgrade to a row with more space or purchase a tablet. Both can be a little pricey, but they’re certainly worth it if you have a long flight ahead of you. We suggest purchasing a tablet so you can be set for any future flights. Your neighbors in your row will thank you!
Stretch and take breaks
Get your blood flowing! Exhaustion and monotony rarely produces the best work. Be sure to get up and take a quick walk to the bathroom. If you don’t need to use it, fake it and stretch your limbs out a bit. You’ll come back to your work in a new headspace and with more energy to finish your tasks!
