Go to the airport to get some work done?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Programs: Aeroplan, BA Executive Club, Asia Miles
Posts: 218
Go to the airport to get some work done?
I've done this a couple of times and wonder if other people do too. I find myself to be very productive working at airports. Somehow during the hour before a flight I seem to be able to get 2 hours worth of work done.
So to test things out, I've recently gone a few times to the airport to work even when I'm not flying. I've found that I love the environment (travel buzz....people watching...and good amenities) and its been a great place for me to get some work done. Just wondering if I am the only one crazy enough to do this?
A few factors for me:
- I travel a bit, but not as much as I would like (under 50K last year which was my best year)
- YVR is an excellent airport with free wifi and a train direct from my home
- I work from home and I'm often changing my home office scenery to local coffee shops anyways, so I view YVR as I would my favourite coffee place
So to test things out, I've recently gone a few times to the airport to work even when I'm not flying. I've found that I love the environment (travel buzz....people watching...and good amenities) and its been a great place for me to get some work done. Just wondering if I am the only one crazy enough to do this?
A few factors for me:
- I travel a bit, but not as much as I would like (under 50K last year which was my best year)
- YVR is an excellent airport with free wifi and a train direct from my home
- I work from home and I'm often changing my home office scenery to local coffee shops anyways, so I view YVR as I would my favourite coffee place
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
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Posts: 6,282
I'll echo the questions raised by Q54701 and WillTravel. I can be productive at an airport, too, but I need 1) a somewhat quiet work area and 2) enough room to set up my computer comfortably. It's very rare anymore to find #2 outside of security. Behind security I can find #1 on light travel days by seeking out an unused gate area. Or a restaurant at off hours. But during peak travel everywhere is crazy except in a lounge, and even there it's not always a sanctuary.
#5
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 3
YVR departures is actually a very relaxing place to spend time. I've spent more time in that airport (pre-security at least) than most, and I haven't flown since 2010.
The internet there is better than at my house. (Although that's probably because I have Telus for internet...) There are three Tim-Hortons within a 500m radius, and there's a 7-11, which is all you need for food if you're a cheap student like me. The upper dining area, and the observation deck, are quiet places to work/study/read during off-peak times. There are so many reasons to spend time there!
The internet there is better than at my house. (Although that's probably because I have Telus for internet...) There are three Tim-Hortons within a 500m radius, and there's a 7-11, which is all you need for food if you're a cheap student like me. The upper dining area, and the observation deck, are quiet places to work/study/read during off-peak times. There are so many reasons to spend time there!
#7
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: YYC
Programs: Aeroplan, Westjet, Marriott, Nexus
Posts: 447
I did that once at YYC. I used to work there so I knew there was this large room in a restaurant overlooking the tarmac that they rarely used (sort of like an overflow room). I bought a sandwich and worked for about 3 hours or so. I stayed so long the waitress forgot I was there. It was a good change of scenery.
That spot was being renovated the last time I was at the airport so unless you want to hangout at Montana's there wouldn't be many other spots around to set up a laptop anymore.
That spot was being renovated the last time I was at the airport so unless you want to hangout at Montana's there wouldn't be many other spots around to set up a laptop anymore.
#8
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
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When I was an undergraduate at Arizona State, I'd go park my car in the cell phone lot at PHX. I'd play CDs, occasionally watch planes land and takeoff, and get through reading that required me to not be around the distractions in my house.
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2011
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I've done something similar in high school, but it was at a nearby, smallish FBO airport. And well before 9/11, so I would just park alongside a couple Cessnas and have an unimpeded view of the runway. Kept relatively busy during certain days/times when the corporate jet folks were commuting.
#12
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#13
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Aussie in ORD
Programs: Marriott Plat, Ua Gold, GE.. Sucker for punishment
Posts: 4,237
Ha.. Misread the OP.. I was about to agree..
But: Yes, I will often go to the airport early when I am on business travel as I am more productive there than in a cafe, hotel lounge etc.. But no way would I just go to an airport to work if not flying that day..
But: Yes, I will often go to the airport early when I am on business travel as I am more productive there than in a cafe, hotel lounge etc.. But no way would I just go to an airport to work if not flying that day..
#15
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 77
I've done something similar in high school, but it was at a nearby, smallish FBO airport. And well before 9/11, so I would just park alongside a couple Cessnas and have an unimpeded view of the runway. Kept relatively busy during certain days/times when the corporate jet folks were commuting.