How business travellers maximise their time on long haul flights

“Often jet-setting dozens of times in a year, business travellers have the packing, check-in, boarding and disembarking process down pat, so they’re well worth listening to for travel tips. 

“Travel today is as much about the journey as it is the destination, and with premium travel on the rise and highly prioritised among business and leisure travellers alike, we’re seeing a whole new focus on the in-flight experience.

“Personally, I prioritise travelling with check-in only as much as possible – there are so many great check-in luggage options on the market now that make travelling light a breeze. I also keep a stash of mini toiletries to meet the 100mL travel requirements that I take on my working trips.”

Walley shared his team’s tips and tricks for making the most of your time while on board a long-haul flight: 

1. Prioritise comfort with strategic seating choices 

Not everyone gets the luxury of the front few rows, so in the ever-expanding selection of cabin options, choosing seats with additional legroom is paramount for business travellers seeking comfort on economy flights. This was the top hack for corporates looking to make the most of their time in the sky. A small additional expense, this choice gives added space and turns a seat into a haven for relaxation or work. A relaxed journey begins with strategic seat selection.

2. Sync sleep cycles with destination time zones

Second on the list was a tactic to combat jet lag. Business travellers are planners by nature, so syncing sleep cycles is their way of maintaining continuity – a vital step in ensuring they hit the ground running upon arrival.

3. Noise-cancelling headphones for focused environments 

In the top three hacks was a non-negotiable item to bring in your carry-on luggage. Amid the hustle of modern air travel, noise-cancelling headphones emerged as a must-have for blocking out distractions and crafting a quiet zone for focused work or relaxation, both before and during the flight.

4. Curating personal entertainment for tailored experiences 

As entertainment options expand, more business travellers curate their own media libraries with downloaded shows, audiobooks, and music playlists tailored to personal tastes. It adds a layer of personal comfort and familiarity to a journey, allowing for uninterrupted viewing or listening without reliance on in-flight systems.

5. Leveraging in-flight Wi-Fi for uninterrupted productivity 

 Wi-Fi in the air removes any boundaries to productivity. Travellers can maintain momentum and seamlessly integrate into their work routine from the sky. Many major carriers offer free Wi-Fi to their member customers, so ensure you are set up on the system before take-off to make the most of it.

6. Pre-order special meals for quicker service 

Efficiency in the skies extends to mealtime. Many airlines offer the option to pre-order special meals tailored to dietary requirements and preferences, with your meal typically being delivered first.

7. Fly during off-peak hours to avoid crowded cabins 

Off-peak flying is the insider’s hack for a calmer journey, avoiding the hustle of crowded flights, and often arriving less flustered and more focused. On top of that, they tend to be the cheaper flights too, so if you can be flexible with your timing, off-peak travel is undoubtedly the way to go.

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