Article: The Practicalities of Working on a Plane

[AFF Editor]

The Practicalities of Working on a Plane is an article written by the AFF editorial team:

The Practicalities of Working on a Plane

With many airlines now offering Wi-Fi, it's become even easier to work while flying. Here are some practical tips to consider when working on a laptop on a plane.

www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au

You can leave a comment or discuss this topic below.

 

[COC]

Arrrggghhh the one time when it was all me me me. But I do see the benefits as well. Many times I have been able to complete work before arriving and on time!

 

[cove]

I don’t bother as I don’t want sensitive business information to leak. I certainly avoid doing any banking at airports and on planes as getting hacked is a real possibility.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I like working on planes, I tend to get a lot done - when in the right setting - and in Economy is not this. @Matt Graham already discusses the table and privacy issues, but I'd also add its about shoulder space. If I'm using a laptop, I need to type or use the mousepad, and this means moving my elbows around and if someone is next two you this becomes very difficult. So generally in economy, work doesn't happen. Now If i have an empty seat next to me, that's like hitting Jackpot - business space for economy pricing!

Business is obviously much more suited to getting work done, well outside the periods that they're serving meals, which lets face it in Business can be quite extended, not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but in the context of getting work done, can be disruptive.

Aside from having the headphones as @Matt Graham also covers, I use a bluetooth adapter so there's no extra cords getting in the way. Inevitably you'll have the power cord for the laptop - even more so as more airlines will ban the use of powerbanks. But one less cord from the headphones is a good thing. And now I've moved to having all my devices USB-C powered, so a single adapter covers all my needs.

But regarding headphones I always try to use headphones/earbuds that have multi-device connectivity. That way I can listen to music through my laptop while working, but then switch to the Bluetooth adapter and use the seatback entertainment system when the laptop is closed up for meals etc.

I'm not too concerned about privacy, Luckily the nature of what I do gives me that freedom, andif anyone is able to figure out the things I'm doing - I welcome their resume

 

[COC]

Just proves, nothing is idiot proof..

Not even me

Post automatically merged: Wednesday at 10:11 PM

I like working on planes, I tend to get a lot done - when in the right setting - and in Economy is not this. @Matt Graham already discusses the table and privacy issues, but I'd also add its about shoulder space. If I'm using a laptop, I need to type or use the mousepad, and this means moving my elbows around and if someone is next two you this becomes very difficult. So generally in economy, work doesn't happen. Now If i have an empty seat next to me, that's like hitting Jackpot - business space for economy pricing!

Business is obviously much more suited to getting work done, well outside the periods that they're serving meals, which lets face it in Business can be quite extended, not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but in the context of getting work done, can be disruptive.

Aside from having the headphones as @Matt Graham also covers, I use a bluetooth adapter so there's no extra cords getting in the way. Inevitably you'll have the power cord for the laptop - even more so as more airlines will ban the use of powerbanks. But one less cord from the headphones is a good thing. And now I've moved to having all my devices USB-C powered, so a single adapter covers all my needs.

But regarding headphones I always try to use headphones/earbuds that have multi-device connectivity. That way I can listen to music through my laptop while working, but then switch to the Bluetooth adapter and use the seatback entertainment system when the laptop is closed up for meals etc.

I'm not too concerned about privacy, Luckily the nature of what I do gives me that freedom, andif anyone is able to figure out the things I'm doing - I welcome their resume

Agreed although there are some bright kids out there.

 

[kookaburra75]

As most of my travel is business related, unfortunately that means having to try and get some work done, to try and get ready for the next meeting/workshop etc. As I'm almost always in Y, using the laptop is a pain. I have a privacy screen on my laptop to make sure someone sitting next to me can't easily read what I'm working on - nothing too sensitive, but still commercially sensitive.

Most of the time I work on my reMarkable notebook, as I can hand write my notes and diagrams, to either type up later or even just email them off direct to the other end for their info. As it's small & light I can work the whole time and not put it away during takeoffs and landings. I can also load pdf and epub files onto it, and get some reading done when I'm not working

 

[themaiz]

I generally try to get work done on planes; usually on domestic flights, and definitely international flights. Some quick observations:
* most of the in-seat power is rejected by my Lenovo power bricks. Plugging in the brick shuts down the seat power whether the laptop is connected or not. Still don't know why, but I have theories. The bricks (I have several at different capacities) work OK on the A350 and Dreamliner. Other planes (including A380) nope.
* Dash 8 is a great plane for working. Seats can't be reclined into you, and there is enough pitch to workably have a big laptop on the tray.
* if you have a seat adjacent or you are in J/F, then a second screen is possible. I use an iPad via USBC and "duet". Seriously improves productivity. Also means you can watch a video while working more easily and controllably than the in-seat screen.
* in-flight WiFi when available is pretty good.

 

[SeatBackForward]

* most of the in-seat power is rejected by my Lenovo power bricks. Plugging in the brick shuts down the seat power whether the laptop is connected or not. Still don't know why, but I have theories. The bricks (I have several at different capacities) work OK on the A350 and Dreamliner. Other planes (including A380) nope.

I'm certain this isn't the issue, but its worth asking - it's not just slipping out is it? I know if you have a heavy power adapter that plugs directly into the power socket, these can be quite loose and not maintain a good connection. This issue becomes more obvious if the plane uses a universal plug and you try using a plug type that's not of that airlines origin, for example, using the UK adapter on US flights and its a snug fit.

 

[mandysquair]

You mentioned sitting near babies on planes. Last year, I paid thousands of dollars to go business from Sydney to Dallas and during the night, there was a baby in the row behind me who cried all night. Nothing was done by the cabin crew. If I was in economy, I wouldn't mind so much because I wouldn't have paid a lot for the ticket, but in business, one has paid a lot to be able to lie down and sleep, but not with a crying baby behind me. I complained to the Qantas staff and was told that it is discrimination if babies weren't allowed in business class. What do others think?

 

[daft009]

You mentioned sitting near babies on planes. Last year, I paid thousands of dollars to go business from Sydney to Dallas and during the night, there was a baby in the row behind me who cried all night. Nothing was done by the cabin crew. If I was in economy, I wouldn't mind so much because I wouldn't have paid a lot for the ticket, but in business, one has paid a lot to be able to lie down and sleep, but not with a crying baby behind me. I complained to the Qantas staff and was told that it is discrimination if babies weren't allowed in business class. What do others think?

Parents should try to calm the baby, not just give up.

But yes that are allowed to be there just as much as you. I've had quiet babies and bad snorers in business class.. Much the same.

 

[The Astronomer]

I do a lot of work on my laptop on planes and agree with the positive points that Matt has made. But something that does worry me is the potential for the seat in front of me to be reclined - not so much because of losing some valuable space but because of possible damage to the laptop if I have the laptop screen opened out fully.

 

[SeatBackForward]

I do a lot of work on my laptop on planes and agree with the positive points that Matt has made. But something that does worry me is the potential for the seat in front of me to be reclined - not so much because of losing some valuable space but because of possible damage to the laptop if I have the laptop screen opened out fully.

Now here's an idea, the airlines should allow USB-C (or HDMI) ports to connect into the seatback display. Keep your laptop closed in the seatback pocket, or on the tray and continue working away!

I mean this is such a simple thing to implement when they refurbish those systems...unsure why they can't do it. Bit like car manufacturers making "Bluetooth" combability seem like some major innovative leap.

 

[jb747]

You mentioned sitting near babies on planes. Last year, I paid thousands of dollars to go business from Sydney to Dallas and during the night, there was a baby in the row behind me who cried all night. Nothing was done by the cabin crew. If I was in economy, I wouldn't mind so much because I wouldn't have paid a lot for the ticket, but in business, one has paid a lot to be able to lie down and sleep, but not with a crying baby behind me. I complained to the Qantas staff and was told that it is discrimination if babies weren't allowed in business class. What do others think?

Well, if you were in first the crew would obviously have suffocated the baby for you.

 

[clifford]

I have always taken a decion NOT to work on planes. Planes are places to enjoy, with the odd drink, so work has no place there.

I must admit, though, that on the odd occasion I have had to bend this rule, due to having been too slack the previous day (or something like that). However, I would never want to rely on completing something on a long flight that I couldn't have done before.

 

[COC]

Well, if you were in first the crew would obviously have suffocated the baby for you.

Morbid humor. I get it. Economy has its drama too. From my observations caressing a bady can do wonders. Is free of charge to those who have a modicum of care.

 

[COC]

I have always taken a decion NOT to work on planes. Planes are places to enjoy, with the odd drink, so work has no place there.

I must admit, though, that on the odd occasion I have had to bend this rule, due to having been too slack the previous day (or something like that). However, I would never want to rely on completing something on a long flight that I couldn't have done before.

Agree with you Clifford but occasionally one gets in to a situation where rules need to be bent but not over a baby. Of course.

 

[trendwhore]

Sadly without Wifi I can't do any work on plane but I have done plenty on the Shinakansen bullet trains in Japan which are basically planes on rails. Makes the trips go nice and quickly. Hopefully the wifi on Qantas works as intended (eventually).

 

[COC]

You mentioned sitting near babies on planes. Last year, I paid thousands of dollars to go business from Sydney to Dallas and during the night, there was a baby in the row behind me who cried all night. Nothing was done by the cabin crew. If I was in economy, I wouldn't mind so much because I wouldn't have paid a lot for the ticket, but in business, one has paid a lot to be able to lie down and sleep, but not with a crying baby behind me. I complained to the Qantas staff and was told that it is discrimination if babies weren't allowed in business class. What do others think?

Folks with babies want comfort and space and business class will provide that as does a first class cabin. Humans come in all shapes and sizes. Of course. Do you remember Tiffany Gomez? So called “Crazy Plane Lady” it was an outburst on AA in 2023. I think she was eventually escorted off after loudly exclaiming that a passenger was not real. Sounds like my experiences all the time due to stress - Beyond that, there are hints of emotional or situational stress. Gomas told Inside Edition in November 2023 that she felt strongly she needed to get off the plane, implying she perceived some kind of threat or discomfort tied to the altercation. She later clarified her “not real” comment was a figure of speech, not a literal claim about someone being imaginary, which could point to heightened emotions distorting her expression. She’d also had a back injury the day before, missed an earlier flight, and admitted to drinking two glasses of wine at an airline lounge—factors that might have amplified her agitation if other medication was already in her system-though she denied being drunk side effects could have been real - and all over some AirPods apparently.

 

[Daver6]

Morbid humor. I get it. Economy has its drama too. From my observations caressing a bady can do wonders. Is free of charge to those who have a modicum of care.

I suspect the OP might have been arrested on arrival if they had attempted that

 

[COC]

I suspect the OP might have been arrested on arrival if they had attempted that

I dare say one would be nicely packaged somewhere safe and that’s not in the pointy end either. ( some crazy random person caressing himself this time ). Though I have noticed most vomiting or sickness episodes end up forward of the plane because thats has more space to puke apparently . Just an observation. Those fancy socks quickly soak through from the wet floor. Sigh