-
Step 1
Get oriented with all the airports you will be visiting during your arrival, layover and destination. Just because you don't intend on spending an extensive amount of time at the airport doesn't mean the weather, a mechanical problem or unexpected overbooking, won't change your travel plans. Visit the airport's official website to view the terminal map and learn what individual amenities each airport has to offer. If you're already at the airport you can obtain a map and some quick airport facts with a visit to the information booth.
-
Step 2
Check your flight status as soon as you arrive. You can't settle down and work comfortably if you don't know when and from what gate your flight departs.
-
Step 3
Choose to work at whatever location works best for you. Some people have no problems drowning out the hustle and bustle of a busy terminal and can work quite efficiently at their gate. Others work much better in a business lounge or quiet café a little off the main concourse. How much time you have will also play a role in choosing your temporary office. If you only have an hour before take off, don't wander too far from your gate. However, if you have hours to spare you can feel free to wander the airport and even jump from concourse to concourse if necessary.
-
Step 4
Join your airline's flyer club if you travel frequently or buy a 1-day pass to their business lounge. Some airlines only offer their lounges to their first-class and business-class travelers; others for a small fee will give you a one- or two-day pass. Most business centers have workstations with desks, computers, wireless access, dataports and snacks. Others even have meeting rooms for phone conferences and video conferencing abilities.
-
Step 5
Take an extra laptop battery or a small power strip with you. If you are working at a busy café, a small business lounge or near your gate, finding an unused electrical outlet can be tough. An extra battery is far handier than a power strip as you can also use it to stay powered up and running on long flights.
-
Step 6
Find an Internet kiosk. Internet kiosks are a quick alternative to working at business lounges, restaurants or gates. Though they tend to be few in number and it can be tough to find a free one, most Internet kiosks offer a dataport to link up your laptop and a small work area. Also look for wireless hot spots. Many airports have free wireless Internet service available in their observation areas, food courts and shops and bars on the main concourse.
-
Step 7
Carry your cell phone with you and keep it on and charged while you wander. Cell phones are invaluable tools for checking your flight status when you are away from the gate. You can also use your cell to call and check up on the status of work at your office or to reschedule a canceled flight.
-
Step 8
Don't forget to relax and refuel. It's easy to burn yourself out while traveling. By staying well-hydrated and remembering to eat regularly you can make the most of your work time while stuck at the airport. Grab a bottle of water (coffee will keep you up, but it will also dehydrate you) and a snack when you arrive, or mix business with pleasure by working at a restaurant. If you have an extended layover at an airport, ask the hotel kiosks about day rates.
