10 High-Impact Things to Do on a Long Flight (That Smart Business Travelers Swear By)

Let’s be honest, wherever you’re heading, whether it’s a business trip to Warsaw or a business trip to Estonia ,long-haul flights can feel like a real drag when you’ve got a jam-packed schedule filled with back-to-back meetings and deadlines creeping up on you. Being stuck in a seat for hours at cruising altitude can feel like a waste of time, whether you’re trying to unwind after a hectic trip or gearing up for a challenging week ahead. But here’s the silver lining: that time in the air doesn’t have to be unproductive. With a few clever tricks and intentional activities, you can turn those hours into a valuable opportunity for clarity, catching up, or even sparking your creativity. From mindful techniques that help you stay grounded to smart ways to tackle tasks or recharge your energy, here are 10 game-changing things you can do on a plane, and more to keep you sharp, focused, and ahead of the curve. We’re writing this blog to give you some ideas outside the box that you’ve never tried and can add a value to your trip personally and productively.

1- Build a “Relationship Capital” Tracker

One of the smartest moves you can make while you’re in the air? Boost your professional network! Take this opportunity to whip up a simple “Relationship Capital” tracker, a spreadsheet where you jot down important contacts from the last 6 to 12 months, including where you met, shared experiences, common interests, and ideas for reconnecting.

Why not take it a step further? Draft personalized emails or record voice notes for 3 to 5 people you haven’t spoken to in a while. You could even prepare follow-ups for contacts in the city you’re flying to. It’s a simple yet effective way to turn your travel time into a boost for your career!

 

2- Design Y our Next Personal KPI Dashboard

Long flights give you that rare chance to enjoy some uninterrupted time, ideal for stepping back and thinking big. So, how can you make the most of that time? Why not create a personal KPI (Key Performance Indicator) dashboard that goes beyond just tracking revenue and goals?

Using tools like Notion, offline Excel, or Google Sheets, start mapping out performance metrics that genuinely reflect your growth and leadership approach. Think about including KPIs such as:

• “CEO or decision-maker outreach attempts per month”
• “Deep work hours logged weekly”
• “Strategic risks taken” or “new ideas tested”
• “Mentorship or learning hours”

This type of dashboard helps you focus on what truly matters, how you’re evolving, innovating, and pushing your limits. A study from Harvard Business Review found that professionals who regularly reflect on their performance and set clear metrics are 23% more likely to achieve their long-term career goals.

3- Do a “Digital Spring Cleaning”

An ideal way to spend flight time is by decluttering your digital world. Use this quiet stretch to do a quick “Digital Spring Cleaning”, clear out duplicate contacts, unused apps, and outdated files from your phone and cloud storage. Curate your best professional photos for a future LinkedIn post or presentation, and organize your desktop with a file structure that actually works for you.

Think of it like prepping for a surprise digital audit, what would you delete, organize, or hide if someone checked your device tomorrow? This mindset helps you focus on what truly matters. By the time you land, you’ll feel more organized, productive, and mentally refreshed.

 

4- Pre-Write 3–5 Evergreen LinkedIn Posts or Thought Leadership Drafts

A calm flight is the ideal opportunity to create meaningful content that enhances your professional image. Take advantage of this uninterrupted time to brainstorm 3 to 5 timeless LinkedIn posts or thought leadership concepts inspired by your recent experiences or challenges. Focus on a story-driven, problem-solution format—it’s engaging and really connects with your audience.

Consider sharing an important leadership lesson, celebrating a recent team success, or introducing a new idea that’s influencing your workflow. You can use your phone’s voice-to-text feature to quickly jot down your thoughts, and then polish and schedule them later. It’s an easy way to maintain your visibility and provide value to your network without feeling overwhelmed.

5- Train Your Brain with Industry-Specific Mental Models

Transform those moments of travel downtime into a golden opportunity by training your mind with industry-specific mental models. Consider creating flashcards that highlight key decision-making frameworks, such as first-principles thinking or opportunity cost, and practice using them in real-life or hypothetical business situations. For instance, you might ponder, “What would Charlie Munger do in this scenario?” or “How could we implement an Amazon-style flywheel to enhance our operations?” Engaging in these thought experiments can really sharpen your critical thinking skills and enhance your strategic agility.

Utilize tools like Anki or Obsidian for spaced repetition, which is fantastic for boosting your long-term retention of complex ideas. By setting aside just a little time during your flight, you’ll land with a sharper, more agile mindset, fully prepared to take on your next big challenge.

6- Upgrade Your Negotiation Skills — Through Scenario Journaling

Make the most of your flight time by honing an essential business skill: negotiation. Try scenario journaling to reflect on your past negotiations, whether they went well or not. Jot them down like case studies, and think about different strategies you could have employed—like taking a moment to pause before responding or asking more clarifying questions. This exercise will help you create a flexible playbook for those high-stakes conversations ahead.

Don’t forget to dive into the emotional aspects of negotiations, too. Take note of what sparked your reactions and what kept you centered. Research indicates that being self-aware during negotiations can lead to better outcomes in the long run. By the time you touch down, you’ll have sharper instincts and a more defined strategy for your future deals.

 

7- Develop a Signature Framework or Model

Use your flight time to develop a signature framework or model that showcases your unique problem-solving style. Think about the strategies you lean on when facing challenges in your field. Is there a particular tactic or process that reliably brings you success? Take a moment to jot it down and give it a memorable name, like a B2B consultant’s “5C Funnel for B2B Growth Teams,” which emphasizes Customer, Content, Conversion, Consistency, and Culture.

This framework not only helps clarify your approach but can also serve as a valuable consulting tool, a topic for speaking engagements, or a service you offer. Leading consulting firms like McKinsey & Co. thrive on proprietary models that are both repeatable and scalable. By the time you land, you’ll have a polished, valuable asset that can elevate your professional offerings for years to come.

8- Create a Private “Idea Bank” from Past Notes & Scribbles

Make the most of your flight time by putting together your very own “Idea Bank.” Take a moment to flip through those old notebooks, listen to voice memos, and check out meeting notes. You might just uncover some hidden gems that are waiting for a second chance. Gather all these ideas in one spot, like Notion or Evernote, and tag them with themes like “product innovation,” “content strategy,” or “client engagement.”

Remember, creativity often springs from mixing existing ideas in fresh ways (Harvard Business School, 2015). By organizing your previous brainstorms, you’ll have a treasure trove of insights ready to spark your next big idea by the time you touch down.

9- Run a Silent “Business Audit” of Your Life

Use your flight time to conduct a personal “business audit.” Take a moment to reflect on where your energy is going and whether it’s actually paying off. Look for those productivity leaks, like unnecessary phone calls, unhelpful habits, and tools that have turned into more of a hassle than a help. This little exercise will help you zero in on what’s really driving you toward your goals.

Think of it like a strategist reviewing a company’s balance sheet. Assess your relationships, daily routines, and responsibilities to figure out what needs to be cut back or improved. By the time you touch down, you’ll have a much clearer picture of where to channel your energy for the greatest growth, peace of mind, and success in the future.

10- Build a One-Pager for a Future Opportunity (Before It Exists)

If you’ve been envisioning a partnership, a chance to be a podcast guest, or even an advisory role, don’t just sit back and wait for the perfect opportunity to knock on your door, take the initiative and start crafting your pitch today. Use those little pockets of free time to whip up a concise one-pager that highlights your unique value, explains why it’s important, and makes the case for why now is the perfect moment to take action.

By positioning yourself proactively, you’ll be all set when the right opportunity comes along. Research from Stanford indicates that clearly defining your future goals can significantly boost your chances of success, so you’ll be ready to grab that moment when it finally arrives.

More Unique Things to Do on a Long Flight (Beyond Career/Work)

Looking to start a Legacy Audio Journal? Take advantage of the peaceful moments in the sky to capture voice memos for your future self or your loved ones. Share your raw reflections, life lessons, funny anecdotes, or even those truths you’ve kept to yourself. Just a few heartfelt minutes can transform into a timeless gift for someone special down the line.

Next, let’s talk about mapping your Life Operating System. Take a moment to sketch out how you navigate through life, your core values, your go-to habits, the tools you use to handle conflicts, and how you check in with your energy levels. This exercise will help you gain clarity on what’s working, what isn’t, and where you want to head next.

How about creating an Anti-Bucket List? Instead of focusing on what you want to achieve, think about what you’re ready to let go of, those draining habits, misaligned goals, or outdated pressures. It’s a powerful way to reclaim your time, energy, and sense of self.

Consider starting a Culture Notebook. Jot down the quirky etiquette, language gems, culture shocks, and memorable encounters from each trip you take. These little snapshots will become soulful souvenirs that enhance your appreciation for every destination you visit.

Finally, think about designing a Space Upgrade. Visualize how your environment could better reflect the person you’re becoming, whether it’s your home office, closet, or a cozy corner. You’ll come home not just feeling refreshed, but also with a plan to live more intentionally every single day.

 

Chill, Creative, and Low-Effort Things to Do on a Long Flight (That Actually Feel Good)

Sometimes, the best moments to relax catch you off guard while you’re soaring through the skies, stuck in your seat with nothing to do but just be. That’s when simple, creative, and low-key activities can transform a long flight into a surprisingly refreshing experience. Tune into an engaging fiction podcast like The Truth or Welcome to Night Vale, no screens needed, just rich stories flowing through your headphones. Grab a notebook and try your hand at some casual sketching or visual journaling, no need for fancy art skills, just let your doodles, feelings, or even your dream airport lounge design flow. You could whip up a “mood menu” to check in with your emotions or pen a letter you’ll never send to someone from your past, future, or even your imagination. Curate the ultimate in-flight playlist, catch up on those heartwarming movies with subtitles, or just lean back and take a real nap (yes, that totally counts as being productive). These little rituals aren’t just about killing time, they’re a chance to reset, recharge, and maybe even reconnect with yourself along the way.

 

Elevate Your Mind as You Try These Things Without Lifting a Finger

Micro-Meditation That Doesn’t Feel Like Trying Too Hard

You don’t need to twist yourself into a pretzel in the aisle or dive deep into a full meditation session. Just shut your eyes and focus on your breath. Give this simple technique a shot and inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, and exhale for 6. It’s a gentle, soothing way to reset your nervous system in just a few minutes.

You might also want to try a quick body scan, send some loving-kindness thoughts to yourself and others, or just observe your thoughts without any judgment. Even a mere five minutes of mindful breathing can work wonders for your sleep, digestion, and help lower stress hormones.

If you’re looking for some offline apps to check out, consider Balance, Headspace, and Waking Up.

 

Explore Subtle Healing Techniques

Long flights are a great opportunity to try out some low-key, restorative practices that can help you feel better in no time, without drawing too much attention to yourself.

One technique you might find helpful is EFT tapping. Just gently tap the palm of your hand to help ease any anxiety or physical discomfort you might be feeling. You can also stimulate calming pressure points, like your earlobes, the center of your palms, or even the arches of your feet.

Another effective method is future self visualization: imagine yourself landing feeling calm, clear-headed, and ready to take on whatever comes next. Alternatively, you can repeat a soothing mantra in your mind, like “safe / strong / soft / still.” To make the experience even more enjoyable, consider using a roll-on scent like lavender or sandalwood to help ground your senses.

 

And Now… the Things You Already Know but just a reminder

Watch a Movie

Long flights are the perfect excuse to indulge in some guilt-free binge-watching. Make sure to download your favorite films before you take off. Mix it up a bit—think epic trilogies, romantic comedies, or that French film you’ve been wanting to see. A little tip: turning on subtitles can help with language learning and drown out the engine noise. And don’t forget to pack your noise-canceling headphones!

 

Listen to Music (But Curate It)

Instead of just hitting shuffle, why not create a special “Flight Mode” playlist? Fill it with lo-fi beats, nostalgic favorites, cinematic scores, and some global tunes. Get creative with the names—how about “Cloud Thinking” or “Window Seat Vibes”? Just remember to download it for offline listening so you can enjoy the music while soaring through the skies.

 

Sleep, Nap, or Power Down

Rest is key to feeling refreshed. Bring along a comfy travel pillow, a soft eye mask, and some layers to keep cozy in those unpredictable cabin temperatures. Sip on some herbal tea or take melatonin if you need a little help. If sleep eludes you, just close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and let your body reset.

Take Time in Planning for Excellence with airssist

Take your travel experience to new heights with airssist, where every journey becomes something truly special. With personalized services like Meet and Greet assistance, you can breeze through airports, avoiding those long lines and any language hiccups. The VIP Terminal experience is like stepping into a private retreat, featuring exclusive lounges, expedited immigration, and smooth customs support, all designed for your comfort and privacy. 

When it comes to ground transportation, airssist’s luxury limo transfers add a touch of elegance, whisking you to your destination in style. Whether you’re navigating tricky international borders or exploring a new city, airssist makes it all exceptional and aristocratic, offering custom private tours led by local experts. From immersive cultural experiences to discovering hidden treasures, every part of your trip is enhanced, making airssist the ideal partner for anyone who appreciates luxury, efficiency, and a top-notch travel experience from the airport to your final destination.

Note: Please note that the information on this page is generic & subject to change due to fluctuations in airport services. Kindly confirm service availability with our team, as offerings may vary daily.