With the rise of Starlink and high-speed internet access now available across many airlines, corporate travellers on their business trips are more connected than ever before. What was once “sit back and relax” time has quickly become an opportunity to catch up on emails, finalise proposals, or get ahead on work – even leveraging time zones to their advantage.
But being constantly connected also brings a new question: Will flights, once a haven from calls and notifications, become just another open office? This shift is sparking debate among both leisure and business travellers. So, let’s explore the pros and cons for those frequently on business trips.
The upside: Productivity at 30,000 feet
Always on
Staying connected means being available to handle urgent issues, support clients, or make key decisions in real time. For sales professionals, that could mean closing a deal mid-air. For executives, it might mean managing a crisis without delay. In a fast-paced world, the ability to respond instantly can be invaluable.
Reclaim lost time
Even with perks like lounges, express check-ins, and chauffeur transfers, travel eats up time. Reliable in-flight internet allows travellers to make up for lost productivity, whether by tackling admin, finishing reports, or polishing presentations.
Get ahead of the game
Time zones can actually become an advantage. A savvy traveller can prep for a meeting en route, send the follow-up before landing, and assign tasks before their team’s workday begins – essentially “time travelling” ahead of the competition.
The downside: The end of any business trips downtime?
Always on (again)
The same connectivity that boosts productivity can also erode personal downtime. Flights once used for rest and mental recovery may now become extensions of the workday. For many travellers juggling early starts and long journeys, the loss of that quiet recharge time can take a toll.
Work, work, work
Business travel already disrupts routines – missed workouts, skipped meals, family time lost. Flights have often been a rare chance to disconnect, read a book, learn something new, or simply think. Turning every moment into work time could reduce these opportunities for balance and reflection.
Connectivity isn’t always perfect
Despite promises of seamless, high-speed service, connectivity gaps still happen – especially on rail or in remote airspace. If internet service drops at 10,000 feet, there’s little a traveller can do. For employers expecting constant availability, this creates uncertainty and unrealistic expectations.
Looking ahead for business trips: Policies, expectations & wellbeing
The conversation doesn’t stop with technology. As in-flight connectivity becomes the norm, new questions arise:
- Will flights turn into open-plan offices, full of video calls?
- Should there be “quiet zones” or designated business sections?
- Will companies begin to classify travel time as “working time”?
Businesses may soon need to update travel policies to reflect this new reality. Should travel time remain “out of office,” or will employees be expected to work mid-flight? Will internet packages become standard trip expenses? And if working in the air is the expectation, should travellers be upgraded to business class for comfort and practicality?
Companies that prioritise wellbeing should tread carefully. Mandating a “work-while-travelling” culture could lead to pushback from employees who value their rest and personal space.
Final thoughts for business travellers
As technology continues to blur the lines between work and personal time, organisations will need to strike the right balance. For some, in-flight productivity and being connected is a game changer. For others, it’s the last sanctuary slipping away.
If you’d like to discuss how other clients are adapting or need help shaping your own travel policy, book a free consultation with our client liaison team. We’ll help you navigate this evolving landscape with insight and care.
USEFUL LINKS
- What we do – MIDAS Travel Website
- Top tips on how to reduce business travel stress – MIDAS Travel Blog
- Starlink for aviation – External Website
