5 work-friendly spots in an airport

Need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the airport terminal and get some work done? There actually are quiet areas in airports that are conducive to productivity, although sometimes they may be hard to find. Here are my top five spots for working in an airport.

Empty/unused gates. Especially if located on a lower level or in a lesser-used part of the terminal, an unused gate can provide the quiet and empty space you need to get work done.

Baggage claim. The baggage claim area is a chaotic place, with comings and goings and meetings and departures. However, there are usually quieter areas with open seating areas, most likely near the end of the baggage carousel corridor or tucked away down a corridor near the ground transportation.

Restaurant/coffee shop. While many airports have a food court-type area that is busy all day long, there are often coffee shops or restaurants where you can sit down at a table and get some work done. Order a beverage or snack to compensate for your space, then enjoy.

Hotel meeting room or business center. If there’s a hotel inside the airport, check and see if there’s a seating area or business center where you can sit and work. For business travelers willing to splurge, guest rooms can often be rented for partial days for less than an overnight stay.

Airline club lounge. These lounges provide a quiet and comfortable spot to get some work done. In fact, there may even be open meeting rooms or small offices where you can close the door and be more productive.

Working at the airport can be an efficient way to pass the time. When looking for a place to work, don’t forget to search for a spot with an outlet or two if you’ll be working on a laptop. In addition, take a break every half hour to stretch in order to avoid aches and pains and minimize fatigue.