Anyone get work done at the back of the bus?
 

I've got a number of 10 hour+ trips coming up at the back of the bus and I'm thinking it's not an unreasonable idea to try and do some work (okay, I'm really just looking for an excuse to splurge on a new laptop).

So my question to the group: What tips/tricks do you have to help create an environment where you can work in economy?

In particular:

- How do you make sure you're not upsetting your neighbors by clicking away on a keyboard in close quarters

- Is there any part of the back of the plane you find more conducive to a working environment?

- Will an Apple iBook fit in the front seat pocket during take-off/landing safely?

- What's the longest you've managed to work before it gets too tiring?


Any thoughts would be most appreciated.

If your in the back of the plane, and anyone else can hear the clicking on your keyboard -look for parachute! The engines have shut down.

You might be better at the front of the plane, as many airlines have increased legroom up front. (Your laptop might not open and fit between you and the seat in front of you).

As to tiring, if you are using a battery only, you might run out of juice before you get tired.

I invested in a small mouse, as I find doing serious work with the eraser point pointer annoying. Belkin makes a nifty small scroll mouse with a USB interface. I got it for $15.

Hope some of this helped!

In my experience, it's doable but sometimes difficult. An Apple iBook is probably the ideal machine because of its size. Yes, it will fit in the pocket on the back of most seats. Some FA's will make you "put it away" though, saying the back pocket doesn't count. Most won't though.

You will definitely get work done if you end up in a seat with an empty next to you, but if you end up in a seat with a large person next to you -- it won't be very conducive to work.

Bottom line, in coach, don't count on getting work done enroute. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif

using an ibook, make sure that the volume is at minimum. that way , the solitare deals are silent. serously, there isn't much room unless there is an empty seat next to you.

I tried once to work on my laptop in coach. Everyone else was eating and had their seats upright - perfect timing! It ended when the huge guy in front of me decided to end his meal halfway and violently reclined his seat all the way. He crashed my laptop screen and damaged it at the side.
Ever since that day, I really try not to work in coach... unless it's reading papers, but only if it is a must.

I find that I can work in coach.

Working on a laptop is much easier on AA more room throughout coach flights, because you can put your laptop on the tray table and still use it, even if the person in front of you reclines. I was on a pre-MRTC flight AA JFK-LHR a few years back, and using a laptop was almost impossible. When the guy in front of me reclined, I had to pull the laptop all the way toward me, so that it was just about touching my stomach. Then I had to type on it and manage papers at the same time - not too comfortable, but I didn't have a choice.

I find I can do a couple hours of work on a plane. But, wearing noise canceling headphones makes me much more effective, less tired and allows me to concentrate better. I also tend to feel better when I get off the plane on flights where I wear the NC headphones.

As for not bothering neighbors - I just try not to shuffle around too much. Planes are pretty loud, so unless you have an annoyingly loud keyboard, the clicks are pretty muted. You might also want to see about getting a seat assignment with the seat next to you empty, even if it's in the back of the cabin. Of course it's usually louder back there, so the NC headphones are even more important.

Also, if you want to work for any kind of length (and it sounds like you do if you're going to be on ten hour flights), make sure that (1) you get a power adapter and (2) you're flying on a plane with power ports AND you're seated in a row that has them. On AA most of the aircraft have power ports, but only selected rows in coach (usually all of the "premium" seats in the first few rows of coach, then selected rows througout the rest of the cabin).

d

Check the airline you are flying and see if they empower plugs on the planes you will be flying. An adapter can be bought for about $100 that will allow you to work without the worry of the battery life. Even if I only play solitare on some flights I never have to ration my computer time to the battery life. Try booking the bulk head so you don't have to worry about someone leaning into you when they recline.


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Rachel
CO - Platinum
Hilton - Diamond
SPG - Platinum

I second the request to mute the volume. I had to say something to a guy once who coincidentally was playing solitaire and I could hear all of the sounds. Another time, a guy had a new DVD player or something and was showing it to all of his neighbors and even the FA. He was playing music, loud, through his speakers. I complained and they said that he is allowed to use his computer. But I said it is like playing a radio on the plane and should not be allowed! They didn't make him turn it off, unbelievable. I put my headphones on but could still hear it, of course. thanks for being considerate enough to think of others!!!!