Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Travel&Dining > TravelBuzz
Reload this Page >

Go to the airport to get some work done?

Go to the airport to get some work done?

Old Dec 22, 2014, 3:28 pm
  #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
stevescott1983 is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 3:30 pm
  #2  
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: New York City
Posts: 3,999
YVR is not bad for working, but if you aren't in a lounge, where do you have a good table setup for your laptop?
WillTravel is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 4:47 pm
  #3  
 
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Programs: United Mileage Plus 1K
Posts: 94
Go to the airport to get some work done?

Where are there places to work at an airport on this side of security?
Q54701 is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 6:18 pm
  #4  
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SJC/SFO
Programs: WN A+ CP, UA 1MM/*A Gold, Mar LT Tit, IHG Plat, HH Dia
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.
darthbimmer is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 7:05 pm
  #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!
kaylanbu is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 8:10 pm
  #6  
 
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,310
I imagine the time traveling to/from the airport would negate any time gained by the extra productivity.
Jesperss is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 8:29 pm
  #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.
radnub is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 9:12 pm
  #8  
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
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.
CMK10 is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2014, 9:43 pm
  #9  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,742
Originally Posted by CMK10
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.
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.
gooselee is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2014, 1:07 am
  #10  
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: New Jersey
Programs: Delta P, SPG G, Marriott S, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,007
... I go to Starbucks.
maksimfa is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2014, 5:38 am
  #11  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Canada, USA, Europe
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 31,452
Originally Posted by Jesperss
I imagine the time traveling to/from the airport would negate any time gained by the extra productivity.
You beat me to it!
LondonElite is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2014, 8:23 am
  #12  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: ATL
Programs: DL Scattered Smothered Covered Medallion, Some hotel & car stuff, Kroger Plus Card
Posts: 10,742
Originally Posted by LondonElite
Originally Posted by Jesperss
I imagine the time traveling to/from the airport would negate any time gained by the extra productivity.
You beat me to it!
That all depends how far you live from the airport.
gooselee is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2014, 8:26 am
  #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..
cyclogenesis is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2014, 8:38 am
  #14  
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: NAP
Programs: LH, BA, TK
Posts: 2,409
Unless you have lounge access before security, and the lounge is open also to non same-day departing passengers, I don't see how an airport could induce to productive work.
Forrest Bump is offline  
Old Dec 23, 2014, 8:59 am
  #15  
 
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 77
Originally Posted by gooselee
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.
A few years back, a friend and I wound up waiting 8 hours at the ORF "observatory area" for a friend stuck on the LGA tarmac. When it became apparent we'd be significantly delayed in resuming our OBX vacation, we found a local booze and smoke shop and ended up having a great time in the parking lot blasting Springsteen and smoking cigars.
tnm5041 is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.