Working from seat 32B: How to stay productive in the sky

A cramped airplane seat doesn’t have to mean lost hours. For remote workers, freelancers and digital nomads, Seat 32B can become an unlikely office — one that cruises above the clouds. Working while in flight isn’t hard, you just need to buckle up and be prepared.

With chargers packed, playlists loaded and seats locked in, modern travelers are learning to make the most of time in transit. In fact, with fewer distractions and no meetings, flying can be the perfect time to wrap up projects or tackle new ones.

Why plane productivity is a skill worth building

The rise of remote work has transformed airport terminals and airplane cabins into mobile offices. According to Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom, people now work from home about a quarter of their workdays, roughly five times more than before the pandemic. However, digital nomads and flexible professionals are no longer bound by a fixed desk — or even a fixed time zone. That shift opens new potential for long-haul flights, which once felt like lost hours but now offer built-in blocks of focused time.

“Working from home is a future-looking technology,” Bloom told an audience during TEDxStanford, which took place in April. “I think it has enormous potential.” In a study published under the Stanford Graduate School of Business, Bloom found a 13% boost in productivity, a 50% drop in quit rates and $2,000 more profit per remote employee. Remote setups also open doors for workers with disabilities and make it easier for employers to hire diverse talent. When job listings are remote, applications from women and underrepresented groups rise significantly.

Unlike the distractions of a typical workday, airplane mode creates a rare quiet zone. The absence of notifications, meetings and internet rabbit holes makes it easier to dive into writing, planning or reviewing. When approached intentionally, that space in the sky becomes a productivity advantage, not a compromise.

Pre-flight prep: Set yourself up for success

Productivity in the sky starts with preparation on the ground. Before boarding, it helps to get organized, power up and plan with purpose.

Download essentials early

A productive flight starts well before takeoff. Download anything you’ll need, like documents, emails, cloud files, while you still have solid ground and solid Wi-Fi. If it’s not on your device, assume it’s out of reach.

Charge and back up your gear

Charge every device, then double up. Backup batteries and charging cables go in the carry-on, not the checked bag. There’s no productivity if your devices run out of juice somewhere over the Atlantic.

Organize your in-flight workspace

Organization matters, too. A cable bag, a collapsible laptop stand and noise-canceling headphones can turn a tray table into a functioning workspace. Keeping things tidy helps you stay focused when space is tight.

Set realistic goals

Set clear, realistic goals. A long flight isn’t a day at the office. Choose one or two things you want to knock out — review a report, write a draft, sort your inbox. Progress beats perfection at 35,000 feet.

What to pack in your makeshift airplane office

Packing smart turns a cramped seat into a usable workspace. Every item should earn its place, especially when space is tight and access is limited. Here’s how to build an airplane office that works from wheels up to landing.

Bring compact tech that works in tight spaces

Compact tools like a keyboard cover, a Bluetooth mouse or a stylus can help you stay efficient without taking over your seatmate’s space. Keep cords and accessories minimal but functional.

Don’t forget analog tools

Old-school works, too. A notebook, pen and task list are great for jotting ideas or mapping out plans when you need a screen break.

Stay fueled and hydrated

Pack snacks that keep you focused, not sluggish. Nuts, protein bars and bottled water go a long way in keeping your brain sharp.

Add privacy where needed

If working on something sensitive, a screen shade or privacy filter can make a big difference. It’s a simple way to keep your work secure and your space your own.

How to manage time zones and focus

Flying across time zones can throw off routines, but it also opens up pockets of time to get meaningful work done. With a little structure, even a turbulent flight can be a productive one.

Work in time blocks

Use the in-flight clock or a timer app to break up work into manageable sprints. Pomodoro-style blocks — 25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of pause — can help maintain focus, even without Wi-Fi.

Prioritize solo, deep-focus tasks

Collaborative work won’t go far without a connection. Instead, line up projects that require concentration, like editing, writing or mapping out strategies.

Shift to light tasks when needed

When the seatbelt sign stays on or your space shrinks, don’t fight it. Use that time for easier work, such as organizing files, reviewing notes or cleaning your desktop.

Use offline time to your advantage

With no Wi-Fi, there’s no temptation to check messages or scroll. It’s an ideal time for deep thinking, outlining content or refining big-picture plans.

Hacks for making coach work-friendly

Working in economy takes a few smart adjustments. From choosing the right seat to making the most of your tray table, these tricks help bring comfort and function to an otherwise tight space.

Choose the right seat

A window seat typically means fewer interruptions and more control over light. If power access is important, check the airline’s seat maps for outlets nearby.

Make the tray table work for you

Pack a slim lap desk or angled laptop stand to improve posture and typing comfort. A stable surface makes all the difference for longer tasks.

Stretch without disturbing others

Simple stretches in your seat or light walks down the aisle can keep blood flowing and focus sharp. Just be mindful of fellow passengers.

Use sound and sleep tools

A good playlist or calming audio can help block cabin noise and ease stress. A sleep mask offers mental resets, even during daylight flights.

Wi-Fi or no Wi-Fi: Make it work either way

An internet connection can be helpful, but it’s not always essential. Flying with access or in full airplane mode, a little planning goes a long way.

Rely on offline tools that get the job done

Apps like Notion, Evernote, Google Docs offline and PDF annotators let you work uninterrupted. Set them up in advance so they’re ready when the cabin doors close.

Use email apps that sync later

Most email platforms allow you to draft and queue messages offline. Once you reconnect, everything sends automatically.

Know when it’s worth paying for Wi-Fi

If you need to send files or respond to messages in real-time, it might be worth the purchase. But for writing, editing or focused tasks, the offline experience often leads to better results.

What not to do at 35,000 feet

Flying productively doesn’t mean pushing every limit. Knowing what to avoid can be just as important as knowing what to pack. Skip these missteps to keep momentum going from takeoff to touchdown.

Don’t try to do it all

Multitasking in the air rarely works. Focus on one or two key wins instead of attempting a full day’s worth of output.

Avoid packing bulky or inaccessible gear

Keep essentials within arm’s reach. If something’s in the overhead bin, it’s as good as gone once you’re seated.

Don’t count on inflight power or perfect Wi-Fi

Outlets aren’t guaranteed, and connections can be unreliable. Fully charge your devices and have offline tools ready.

Set expectations that match the setting

This isn’t your usual desk setup. It’s okay to use the time to brainstorm, outline or get organized rather than force high-output work.

When to ditch the laptop and just rest

Rest counts, too. Knowing when to take a break can make the difference between landing refreshed or fried.

Know when your brain’s done

If the words stop flowing or your focus slips, it might be time to pause. Tired brains don’t produce good work — just longer hours with less return.

Use rest to recharge for what’s next

A little downtime in midair can sharpen your focus when you land. It’s easier to get things done on the ground if you’ve taken care of yourself in the air.

Bring something low-effort and enjoyable

Pack a podcast, an audiobook or a few chapters of a novel. Meditation apps and calming playlists also help shift your brain into rest mode without zoning out completely.

From tray table to touchdown

Seat 32B may not come with legroom or latte art, but it still has something to offer — momentum. For anyone working beyond a single ZIP code, learning how to make the most of time in the sky isn’t a novelty; it’s a skill. This isn’t about doing more for the sake of it — it’s about knowing when to lean in, when to ease up and how to stay grounded — 30,000 feet above it all.

A luxury travel, food and adventure journalist with a passport full of stories from over 46 countries, Mandy specializes in uncovering unforgettable experiences across the globe. With a deep love for the Far East and a diver’s eye for hidden worlds, she brings readers along on immersive journeys that blend indulgence with discovery and she shares it all on Ticket to Wanderland.