5 Ways Entrepreneurs Can Stay Productive on an Airplane

Spoiler: Scrolling aimlessly through movies isn’t one of them.

If you’re running a business, chances are you’ve spent a ridiculous amount of time in the air — and probably wasted more hours than you care to admit. Let’s change that. While most passengers are flipping through snack menus or rewatching that same rom-com, savvy entrepreneurs are turning tray tables into mini productivity hubs. No Wi-Fi? No problem. All you need is a little prep and the right mindset to turn your next flight into your most focused work session of the week.

Here are five clever ways to make the most of your time in the sky — and finally turn all that seat time into serious progress.

1. Know Your Flight Time — and Use It Like a Calendar Block

Don’t just board and hope productivity magically happens. Plan your flight time the way you’d plan a big meeting or a focused work session. How long is the flight? Two hours? Five? Break it down into manageable chunks and assign a specific purpose to each one. You might spend 20 minutes organizing your digital workspace, an hour reading that industry report you’ve ignored for weeks, and another hour outlining next quarter’s strategy. The goal is to assign intention to your time before takeoff — not mid-air when your brain is already foggy from cabin pressure.

Still juggling your plan on the way to the airport? Use your ride from the airport as a mental prep zone. Whether you’re in a private car, black car service, or a business-class shuttle, that quiet trip is the perfect time to outline what you want to accomplish during the flight. Jot it down, set time blocks, and board with a game plan. Once you’re in the air, you’re distraction-free. No meetings. No notifications. No inbox emergencies. Just you, your plan, and a few solid hours to get ahead.

2. Lock In on One Thing That Actually Matters

Flying gives you something most workdays don’t: a bubble of quiet, uninterrupted time. But here’s where most people mess it up — they try to do everything at once. Don’t turn your flight into a scrambled to-do list.

Instead, choose one task — just one — that’s been sitting on your back burner for too long, the kind of thing that actually deserves focus. Think: outlining a proposal, writing that pitch email you keep pushing off, rethinking your Q4 strategy, or finally planning that product update you’ve only half-mapped in your head. Forget multitasking. Focus on quality over quantity. You’re above the noise (literally), and there’s no better time to go deep on something meaningful.

Before you board, decide what that task is. Pull together any materials you’ll need — notes, docs, outlines, whatever helps you hit the ground running once the seatbelt sign goes off. You don’t need a Wi-Fi connection to make progress — just a little intention and a clear target. One flight, one focus, one win.

3. Read What Everyone Else Claims They Don’t Have Time For

Books. Trade publications. Long-form articles. That newsletter you starred three weeks ago but haven’t opened. Now’s your chance.

Download a mix of media before takeoff and keep it accessible. This could be a biography, a leadership book, a strategy deep dive, or even a few case studies you’ve meant to review.

Reading on a plane can spark new ideas, reconnect you with trends, and feed your brain without the pressure of replying or reacting. Think of it as quiet fuel for what’s next.

4. Hit Pause — and Actually Think

Sounds obvious, but how often do you sit still and just think?

You don’t always need a screen to be productive. Sometimes, reflection brings more clarity than any of your busiest workdays. Once you've cleared a few tasks, take a moment to disconnect — no guilt allowed.

Ask yourself:

• What am I overlooking right now?
• Where should my focus shift next?
• What’s one thing I haven’t said “no” to that I should?

Grab a notebook or use your phone's notes app. No structure needed — just thoughts, observations, and ideas. This is the space where real clarity shows up.

5. Watch Something That Makes You Smarter, Not Sleepier

Yes, the movie selection is tempting. But before you hit play on another action flick, try queuing up something that sharpens your thinking.

Download a documentary, a business-focused podcast episode, or a keynote from an event you couldn’t attend live. A 60-minute interview with a sharp mind in your field can shift your perspective and even spark your next big move. It’s entertainment — but with a side of momentum.

Your Seat Isn’t Just a Place to Sit — It’s a Shortcut to Progress

Flights don’t have to slow you down. In fact, they can provide the perfect break from your daily rush, allowing you to step back, dive deeper, and reset your thinking.

The most successful entrepreneurs don’t wait until they land to get back to work — they make the ride part of their strategy, starting with how they arrive at the airport. Using airport transportation ensures you stay focused from the moment you leave your door — no traffic stress, no parking guesswork, just extra minutes you can actually use.

So, the next time you buckle up, remember: the tray table isn't just for snacks — it’s for action. Choose how you use that time, and let your hours in the air work for you.