Guide to Working While Stuck at the Airport

If business travelers could write the script, it would go something like this: A flight arrives on time at airport “X” where a Relaxed Business Traveler deplanes and casually strolls to gate “Y.”  After about 20 minutes of peaceful repose, Relaxed Traveler boards a connecting flight to destination “Z.”  The flight leaves precisely on schedule and the airline scores another perfect departure. The seamless flow of worldwide commerce continues without a hitch.

In the real world, this isn’t even close to what occurs amidst the chaos of the typical airport and the grind of the typical business trip. Beleaguered business travelers can pay a huge price in down time when delays happen, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Most all larger and quite a few smaller airports offer work-on-the-fly options for stranded business travelers. If you know how to navigate the terrain and maximize airport services, you can:

   1.      Access the Internet.
   2.      Hold a meeting with business associates or clients.
   3.      Use business services at private airline clubs, even if you’re not a member.
   4.      Tap into business center resources at airport hotels.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Log on and get to work

Your flight is delayed by bad weather and you have no idea how long you’ll be stranded at the airport. If you’re carrying a laptop that is equipped to access a wireless Internet network, grab the nearest seat at the gate and log on. For more extensive office facilities, look into renting space for a couple of hours at a mini on-the-fly office.

I recommend: Know before you fly what services are available. You might have to pay an access fee to use the wireless network; it’s a good idea to check wireless access details ahead of time at domestic and international airports. If you need a wired connection, look to airport Web sites for information on Internet kiosks. Laptop Lane rents office cubicles by the minute that include a computer if you need one, hook-up for your laptop, Internet access, a printer, fax, and local and long-distance calls. Almost all Starbucks stores at most major airports have wireless access and some are located adjacent to an airport business center where you’ll find a range of business services such as Internet access, workstations, printing and faxing, ATMs, mail drops and shipping/courier services.

Meet with business associates in a businesslike setting

If you’re traveling with others from your company or a client company and they’re stranded too, maximize everyone’s downtime by meeting right at the airport.

I recommend: The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport (MSP) conference center is a good example of airport meeting facility options. The first-class setting is equipped with tables and comfortable seating, speaker/conference call telephones, data ports, projection screens and tack boards; it can be rented by the hour and catering services are available (though 24 hours notice is required). Some meeting rooms are operated by airports (look for information at airport Web sites). Others are operated by the larger airlines (think United and American at Chicago and Denver, US Airways at Philadelphia, Northwest at Minneapolis, and Delta at Atlanta). You’ll find more information at airline Web sites, generally under the “business services” tab.

Join the club, if only for a day

Even if you don’t belong to an airline club, you can usually get a club day pass for the carrier you’re flying (typically at a one-time cost of $25-$50) that will get you in the door plus access to most or all the club benefits including a quiet place to conduct business while you wait out your delay. Clubs typically offer both wired and wireless internet access; some are free, others charge a fee. Most will allow you to bring along a guest for your day-visit.

I recommend: Look into one-day passes for Alaska Airline’s Board Room, Continental Airline’s President’s Club, Delta’s Crown Room, Northwest’s World Club, United’s Red Carpet Club, US Airways Club. If you’re traveling on an extensive itinerary using one or more airline members of the SkyTeam Alliance (Aeroflot, AeroMexico, Air France, Alitalia, Continental, Czech Airlines, Delta, Korean Air and Northwest) use the Airport Manager function to locate SkyTeam member airline clubs at any of the airports they fly to.

Use business services at airport hotels

You don’t have to be a hotel guest to access business center services. Most airport hotels strive to meet the needs of the business traveler, and giving them access to the business center is a typical service. You’ll find computers with Internet access, printers, fax machines and more; some charge fees (especially if you are not a hotel guest), some don’t. Some hotels have free wireless access in the lobby.

I recommend: Check airport Web sites for hotels connected to the airport and review their business center services. Look for the Hyatt Regency at Dallas-Fort Worth, the Airport Hyatt at Pittsburgh, the Hyatt Regency Orlando at that airport, and the O’Hare Hilton at Chicago O’Hare.  If your flight is delayed for several hours and there is no hotel connected to the airport, consider hopping onto a shuttle to a nearby hotel that offers free wireless access.

Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• If you’re traveling at a time when weather and heavy air traffic might cause delays, research business service options at the airports you’ll transit before you leave on your trip. If you don’t, you’ll waste valuable time searching for services when your flight is delayed, canceled or oversold.
• If you don’t belong to an airline club, look into Priority Pass, a one-size fits-many service that will give you access to over 500 clubs worldwide.
• If you need notary services when you’re traveling, most airports have them, even if they don’t have “official” business centers. Ask if there is a notary at the airport operations office.
• Airport bank branches and larger currency exchange booths usually have a copy and fax machine; if you’re desperate, ask for help.
• If non-travelers will join you in your airport meeting room, make sure you arrange for them to be met and escorted through security if necessary.
• Some airports have Rent-A-Cellular shops, gadget shops where you’ll find computer connectors, and Staples office supply stores.