Six Changes I Made to Improve My Productivity on Airplanes

Over the past 10 years of this travel pace and lifestyle, here are some of the things I’ve learned:

1. Charge it…all
Save yourself time (and possibly money): Create a checklist of “power” equipment you travel with. Review that list right before you fall asleep the night before you leave home, and make sure you’ve got them charging. I have ONE place in my home office where everything gets plugged in to, and it’s on the same counter as my keys and wallet. Here’s an idea: charge everything you’re going to need, and put it all next to your car keys so you make sure to pack it in your carry on before driving to the airport. (Oh, I do the same thing in the hotel room the night before traveling back home!)

2. Pack Cards, Envelopes and Stamps
You probably know, I write at least one thank you or greeting card each and every day. Between the time the gate agent closes the aircraft door, and the plane is over 10,000 feet off the ground (ie: time I’m not reading my kindle, on my laptop or watching a TED.com talk on my iPad!) I can generally write 2-4 cards. (Oh, and it’s usually a great conversation starter with the person sitting next to me!)

3. Bring a complete meal
The airplane “might” have food. Because Jodi’s a vegetarian (and life is just better when we travel together) we always pack a complete meal or two. Sure the short trip are usually ok, I have a Balance bar or somethin’ and a bag of nuts from Trader Joe’s. The long-haul (for me, anything more than 5 hours) I’ve got to have more. A sandwich, a salad, a bottle of water…you get it! I do buy all of this inside the terminal at each airport (love JFK, terminal 8!) just ’cause it’s easier. Yes, it’s a little more expensive, but easier…

4. Have a business card handy
Spend 1-12 hours sitting next to me on a plane, and I’m bound to meet you. Sometimes it’s a short, “Hi there…heading out or going home?” But, many times it turns into a longer conversation. Whenever I meet new people, I’m listening for the kinds of things they are interested in, and how I can learn and gain from that conversation. If they recommend a book, a Web site or a speaker, I like to follow up with them after I’ve taken some actions. Bring a business card, met someone and build your professional network.

5. Pen(s) and a note pad
So, I’m a fast typist (oh, 40-50 words a minute) but sometimes my most productive work sessions have come from “splashing ink.” This is what I call brainstorming, mindmapping or idea-ating. I travel with a medium sized Moleskine journal, and it’s always out while I’m flying…Just in case I need to write something down.

6. Exit Row Aisle
The “mega-tip” here is: Drink more water. I flew on over 120 flights last year alone, that’s a lot of time, next to a lot of people. One of the ways I believe I stay healthy is by drinking a LOT of water while I fly. Having a seat in the exit row, on the aisle, makes it SO easy to get up when I have to go to the “loo.”

BONUS #1: Buy extra charging cords, that “stay” in your luggage/carry on luggage. Keep one plugged in at home, and the other one always travels with you.

BONUS #2: Bose headphones … they make the difference on the flights (or hotel room) where there is a “screamer” next to you!

• OK, it’s your turn. What travel tip did I miss? Let’s get four more and make this a David Letterman “Top 10″ list!