Airport layovers can turn from an inconvenience into an opportunity. Discover our top productivity tips for working in airports.
From designated quiet zones to high-tech meeting rooms, modern business class facilities make working in airports more convenient than ever. With the right approach, each airport layover becomes an opportunity to optimize productivity while recharging for the next flight. Whether you have one hour to spare or a full day, here are a few tips to improve work productivity during a business trip layover.
A layover is when you need to change planes in the airport to continue your trip. Business travel itineraries often include layovers, especially for routes without a direct flight option.
For example, if you’re flying from Atlanta to Amsterdam, you might have a layover in London. That would require taking one flight from Atlanta to London, then transferring to a second flight from London to Amsterdam. Layover lengths will vary between one hour and one day but should always be long enough for you to make your connecting flight.
When comparing flights, it’s important to consider this layover time. With an SME travel platform like Tripeden.com for Business, you can filter through various itineraries to find a layover length, route, and time that meets your needs, ensuring you arrive at your destination well-rested.
You might see both layovers and connecting flights on your travel itinerary.
When your trip requires a change of plane, the next flight in your itinerary is a connecting flight. A layover refers to the time spent in the airport while waiting for your connecting flight.
The bustle of a terminal can make working in the airport a stressful experience, especially at boarding gates. Airport business lounges provide travelers with a quiet space to focus and maximize productivity during a layover.
Airport business class lounges are designed with productivity in mind. Typical business class amenities will include high-speed Wifi, work desks, and charging stations.
Some will include dedicated airport meeting rooms, along with office equipment such as printers, phones, and desktop computers.
Benefits and amenities will vary by airline, but many include the following perks:
If you’re flying on an economy or premium economy fare, you can still take advantage of these quiet spaces through day passes, airline loyalty program memberships, or premium rewards credit cards like Mastercard and Amex Gold.
Check your company’s travel policy to see whether day passes or memberships are allowed as business travel expenses. For frequent business flyers, airport lounge membership through programs like LoungeKey or Priority Pass often pays off in productivity.
Even when you only have an hour or two between flights, you can maximize your productivity. Here are a few tips to help you step onto your next flight feeling physically and mentally refreshed while staying on top of your work.
International airports are often sprawling. For example, King Fahd International Airport in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is a staggering 300 square miles in size, while the Denver International Airport is 53 square miles.
To avoid getting lost during your layover, use navigation apps for airport layouts and status updates before landing. Most airlines have free apps where you can digitally store your boarding pass. These will also automatically book you onto the next flight in case of delay, saving time at the customer service desk. They’ll also include terminal maps for smoother navigation.
Time will be limited during a short airport layover. Once you find a quiet spot, focus on having a fixed work session. Whether you have 30 minutes or two hours, set a timer to stay on task. Use this focus session to work on projects, practice a presentation, or get through your emails.
Save time and stress at your destination by using your layover to charge batteries. While you’ll find plenty of charging stations in airport business lounges, there will also be wall outlets throughout the terminal, especially in food courts and seating areas. Carry a power bank, adapters, and work-related devices in your carry-on for easy access while waiting.
In addition to charging your devices, use this time to replenish your own energy levels. Stretch your legs, find a healthy snack, and stay hydrated. Take advantage of lounge amenities, from gyms to meditation rooms, and relax before your next flight.
If your layover lasts more than four hours, it’s important to make a plan to stay productive. Longer layovers come with great potential, You’ll have time to tackle intensive projects, schedule meetings, or even go off-site for a couple hours. However, there’s also the potential for procrastination, so follow these tips to stay on task.
Airports like London’s Heathrow and Singapore’s Changi offer meeting rooms to rival any conference space in the city. Whether you’re looking for a space to catch up on emails or to hold a seminar with your team, take advantage of airport meeting rooms during a longer stay. Speak to your travel coordinator about reserving a room for you upon arrival. You may also be able to arrange catering and audio-visual equipment.
Use the airport business lounge to create a temporary office. With a fully equipped workspace, you’ll be able to turn a longer layover into a productive workday. Use noise-canceling headphones to touch base with clients and colleagues from the airport – jest keep different time zones in mind.
With several hours to kill in an airport, there’s perhaps no better time to focus on high-intensity tasks, or deep work. Before departing, identify a key goal or prioritized task you’d like to complete during your layover. Since this work requires concentration, you’ll need to find a quiet workspace.
Break your larger task down into defined segments, with short breaks in between. A time management tool like the Pomodoro method can help, with 25 minutes of deep work followed by five minutes of rest. Completing a high-focus, high-priority task in between flights gives a sense of satisfaction and allows you to continue your trip knowing you’ve optimized your work time.
Longer layovers are an opportunity to do more than just stretch your legs between the gate and the business class lounge. Larger airports often provide fitness facilities. Singapore’s Changi Airport features a gym with cross-training machines, free weights, and more in its Ambassador Transit Lounge, while the Fairmont Hotel Health Club at Vancouver Airport features Peloton bikes and a resistance swimming pool.
Physical exercise not only boosts energy levels to combat travel fatigue, but also potentially improves productivity afterward. According to a Harvard Business Review study, physical activity provides plenty of work-related benefits, including improved sleep quality and focus. Those short bursts of airport activity could help you fight jet lag and stay focused for a more productive business trip.
While long layovers give time and space to power through work, they also give you some time to relax. Business travel is exhausting, and you’ll perform better at your destination if you’re well-rested. In addition to gyms, airports provide relaxation and wellness zones with spas, saunas, and sleeping pods.
For example, at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport business travelers will find a new wellness space with herbal teas, neck warmers, and free access to the Calm meditation app for deep breathing exercises. Seoul’s Incheon Airport features Rest & Relax zones with plush recliners, while its Transit Hotel offers sleek sleeping pods for longer layovers.
Business class lounges and in-airport services have plenty to offer for longer stays. However, if you have an all-day or overnight layover, you might also be able to go off-site. Apart from taking a city tour or spending the night in a nearby hotel, you could use this time to meet with clients or network in the stopover city.
Whether or not you can leave the airport depends on local visa requirements – check with your company’s travel coordinator or research this before departure. Some countries issue transit visas for a period between 24 and 72 hours. In terms of time management, you’ll also need to factor in the time spent on public transit and security to get back to the airport in time for your connecting flight.
Time is limited and distractions abound during layovers. One strategy to stay on task is pre-loading your smartphone with productivity apps before departure. These sync across work devices, ensuring you’ll be able to log in seamlessly during your layover.
Working while traveling can be challenging, which is why it’s so important to use your time wisely. Look at airport layovers as an opportunity to power through your to-do list, brainstorm new ideas, and replenish your energy levels.
Consider these opportunities during the booking process to make the most of airport resources. With Tripeden.com for Business, you can select the ideal business flight itinerary while earning loyalty rewards, with over 420 airlines to choose from. Business travelers can take advantage of exclusive corporate rates and flexible cancellation policies. This business travel management solution ensures a seamless booking process for flights, hotels, and car rental, ensuring a hassle-free trip from start to finish.
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