Think about coming back to work after a 9-hour flight across the Atlantic Ocean. You’re super tired, maybe you only caught a few hours of sleep on the plane, and you’re expected to jump right back into your usual 9-to-5 routine. Sounds like a scene from a Netflix drama, right? Well, this was what video producer Erin Rivers faced on Monday morning.
Erin did something incredible. After enjoying a dream vacation in Mexico, she landed at Manchester Airport at 7 a.m. and went straight to her 9-to-5 job. If that’s not impressive, I don’t know what is. Just check out the clip. This video has Erin’s followers going nuts, and honestly, I am too.
Why Would Someone Do This? Erin’s Genius Travel Hack
If you’ve ever run out of annual leave but still wanted to make the most of your holiday, Erin’s story might make you rethink your strategy. Instead of cutting her extended weekend short, Erin decided to milk every last drop of her holiday in Mexico—and squeezed her transatlantic flight right into her morning commute.
Her logic? By waking up from her seat in economy class, stepping into the office, and staying active all day, she could keep jet lag at bay while saving precious vacation time for even more trips. Talk about efficiency goals!
“I wanted to have a normal day at work,” she casually explained. Except, of course, not everyone’s “normal day” starts with a touchdown from halfway across the globe.
@erinrivers_ can you land at 7am and get to the office at 9am….. lets find out✌🏻✌🏻 #travel #travelchallenge #airport #9to5 #longhaul #manchester #cancun #mexico #aeroplane #foryou #fyp #traveltiktok ♬ original sound – <3
The Tightrope Walk Between Plane and Desk
While Erin’s grand plan worked, it wasn’t without its nerve-wracking moments. Her flight was delayed by a whole hour and 15 minutes, leaving her a razor-thin 45 minutes to hustle out of Manchester Airport and show up at LADbible HQ.
Spoiler alert? She nailed it—barely. “I wouldn’t wish for a 10-hour commute on anyone,” she joked. But hey, sometimes you’ve got to make sacrifices for that last margarita in Tulum.
How She Stayed Fresh AF for Work
Now, we know what you’re thinking—how on earth do you drag yourself through a full workday after a long-haul flight? Well, Erin had an arsenal of survival tactics to keep her glowing, alert, and productive at her desk.
Here’s the play-by-play:
Beauty Routine on the Go: “I did my makeup on the train from the airport to feel alive,” she revealed.
Work Bathroom Pep-Up: She brushed her teeth, freshened up with deodorant, and made sure she was camera-ready before stepping into the office. Power moves only.
Fueling the Day: Erin leaned on iced coffee, fruit, hydration, and a “bit of sugar” to keep her energy levels up.
Distraction is Key: Staying busy with work (like filming videos) helped her power through any lingering drowsiness.
Oh, and did we mention she actually loves her job? That enthusiasm might’ve been her secret weapon.
Jet Lag? What Jet Lag?
“I also wanted to beat jet lag,” Erin shared, pointing out that staying awake all day and soldiering through was her method of choice. While this strategy isn’t for the faint-hearted, it’s undeniably brave—and for Erin, it worked like a charm. By the time she hit her train back home to Leeds, she’d conquered a full shift and was still standing. Hero status achieved.
Should You Try Erin’s Long-Haul Commute Hack?
When asked if she’d recommend this wild ride, Erin didn’t hesitate. “If you’re like me and love long weekends away, an extra day of annual leave could mean another trip,” she revealed. Rather than burning that day waiting for flights or lounging at home, she encourages others to go bold.
Her advice? Be prepared for a long, demanding day, but ensure you have “tactics in place” so you can hit the ground running (literally). It might just turn out—dare we say—not even that bad.
Our Favorite Takeaway? Don’t Waste Your Leave Days
Erin’s story is a testament to maximizing every moment, whether that’s on the beach in paradise or at your 9-to-5 back home. And while we might not all be ready to tackle a transatlantic flight-to-office combo, her incredible determination and planning have certainly left us inspired.
Would you dare take a 10-hour commute like Erin? Drop your thoughts in the comments—or let us know your wildest travel hacks. Maybe you’ll inspire the next #TravelAndWork legend!
