There are two types of people on long flights: the ones who look like they’ve been training for a marathon of productivity (noise-canceling headphones, color-coded spreadsheets, oat milk latte ready to go)… and the rest of us, who end up rewatching Camp Rock at 2 a.m. somewhere over Nebraska. If you’re a frequent flyer, you know the drill. Flying isn’t glamorous. It’s a test of survival. But with the right hacks, it can feel a little less like you’re trapped in a tin can hurtling through the sky and more like a very weird but manageable spa-retreat-with-snacks. Here are nine tips to keep you sane, stylish, and maybe even a little smug about your frequent flyer lifestyle.

1. Make a Frequent Flight Ritual

Frequent flyers survive by creating routines. Me? I board, prep my front seat pock, line up snacks like I’m about to host a very exclusive party, and decide whether I’m working, sleeping, or aggressively ignoring my email for the next five hours.

2. The Laptop Rule

This is my favorite tip and my golden rule: when my laptop dies, I stop working. That’s it. Productivity is over. I don’t fight for outlets, I don’t panic-scroll. I take it as a sign from the universe to relax. Suddenly it’s movie night at 30,000 feet. It is also kind of a fun roulette game to play with yourself, are you sitting at 98% or already down to 15%? You’ll never know.

3. Dress Like a Genius Flyer

Step away from your Amazon wishlist, you don’t need another matching set for this journey – I promise. You also probably don’t need compression socks, a travel pillow or an eye mask. However! Be sure to have a layer (light scarf, or sweater situation) and shoes that won’t set off the TSA Pre-Check metal detector. The rest of your fit should be directly related to what your first task is after landing. Straight to a meeting? Suck it up and wear real pants – changing in a stall at JFK is not worth it.

4. Water > Lounge Bar Martini (Sorry)

Yes, the free cocktails will always be a little tempting. Yes, you “deserve it.” But if you want to land without feeling like a crumpled paper bag, hydrate. Dehydration is the silent villain of frequent flyer life. Bring a water bottle. Drink it. Then drink another. If you want something fun, get a little Shirley Temple moment (Sprite with a splash of cranberry), thank me later.

5. Watch the Deep Cuts

Sure, you could watch the latest summer blockbuster again. OR… you could lean into forgotten cinematic treasures like Josie and the Pussycats. Airplanes are the only place where these choices feel natural. No judgment at 30,000 feet. Dedicate your next month’s worth of flights to watching everything Nora Ephron has ever breathed near and call it a day.

6. Books Beat Boredom

Planes are where your reading goals go to thrive. If you want a rec, hit  our Subway Reads series. Sure, it is meant for subways but the lists are still perfect for flights. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow might even make your seatmate think you’re cultured. (Remember, you are cultured. You’re just also eating Pringles.) Get that Kindle locked, loaded and fully charged.

7. The Frequent Flyer Playlist Strategy

I recommend three playlists: one for “I’m working, don’t talk to me,” one for “I’m pretending to nap,” and one for “main character energy.” Bonus points if you play The Shop Workspace playlist so it feels like home – no matter how many time zones away you are.

8. Pack Like You’re Smarter Than Everyone Else

Your laptop charger, snacks, headphones and back-up headphones? They go in your under-seat bag. Never let your essentials live in the overhead bin. It really is just a rookie mistake – unless you’ve laid claim to an aisle seat – then go nuts and take the whole overhead bin so you can stretch out.

9. Move (Just Enough to Not Be Weird)

Stretch, walk the aisle once or twice, roll your ankles under the seat. Look alive out there. Just… don’t turn the aisle into your personal yoga studio. Frequent flyers know the line between “taking care of yourself” and “becoming the in-flight entertainment.” The little in-seat neck yoga video situation Delta has actually kind of hits.

Why The Shop is a Frequent Flyer’s Dream

Here’s the real hack: travel feels better when you have a landing pad. With The Shop’s locations in Salt Lake City, New Orleans, and soon Brooklyn (hi, Gowanus), you don’t just arrive – you arrive somewhere that feels like home. Add in the LEXC network and suddenly you’re not a weary traveler, you’re part of a global coworking crew. That means no more working out of hotel lobbies or coffee shops with spotty Wi-Fi. Instead, you’ve got a place with hospitality-first vibes, community, and cold brew. Frequent flyers deserve that kind of stability!

Final Boarding Call

Being a frequent flyer doesn’t mean you have to suffer. Pack smart, hydrate, create your laptop rule, and lean into guilty pleasure movies without shame. Flying is a little bit ridiculous when you think about it—and that’s exactly why it’s fun.

So, next time you’re bouncing from The Shop Salt Lake City to The Shop New Orleans, or exploring a LEXC space across the globe, remember: you’re not just surviving the frequent flyer life. You’re thriving. Snacks, Nora Ephron, and all.