How to Stay Entertained on a Long Flight: Fun Things to Do on a Plane
Long flights can feel tedious, but they also present an opportunity for fun and relaxation. From reading books and solving puzzles to watching movies, listening to music, and engaging in creative pursuits, we have compiled a diverse list of options that cater to various interests. Whether you’re a solo traveller or flying with family and friends, these suggestions will keep you entertained, inspired, and excited throughout your long-haul flight. This article will explore 25 enjoyable things to do on a plane to help you pass the time and make the most of your journey.
Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
25 things to do on a plane to keep you occupied
1. Take in the views from your plane window!
If you are lucky enough to get a window seat for your flight, soaking in the views has to be one of the best ways to enjoy a flight! Admittedly, there is usually only a small period during take-off and landing where the scenery is worth leaning over your neighbour. However, don’t forget to catch a glimpse as you may miss out! One of the best air travel journeys we had was over the United States where you saw so many different types of landscapes in just one plane ride!
2. Read books on the plane
Reading a book on a plane is a wonderful way to pass the time and immerse yourself in a different world. As you journey through the pages, the hours fly by, transporting you to new places and captivating your imagination.
Whether it’s a thrilling novel, an inspiring memoir, or a thought-provoking non-fiction, a good book can make your flight an enjoyable and enriching experience.
We took one Kindle on our year-long backpacking trip with us and ended up purchasing another during our travels. We both found it a great way to pass the time no matter where we were, including during our Two Months in Bali! If you are only travelling for a couple of days, one book is perfect. However, if you’re travelling for anything longer, taking an Amazon Kindle can be a lot more practical than lugging around multiple books.
3. Listen to podcasts
Listening to podcasts on a plane is a fantastic way to pass the time and expand your knowledge. With a wide range of topics available, from true crime to comedy there’s a podcast for every interest. Engage your mind, learn something new, and enjoy immersive storytelling or insightful discussions as you soar through the clouds. It’s a convenient and entertaining way to make your flight more enjoyable and informative.
Alex loves listening to sports, news and politics podcasts while I love some true crime, conspiracy theories and girl chats! Make sure you download some before your flight as you won’t always get reliable wifi for your journey.
4. Watch some movies
Watching movies on a flight is a popular way to pass the time and enjoy some entertainment while travelling. With a selection of new releases and classics in a variety of genres, airlines always offer an array of movies. Whether you prefer comedy, action, or romance, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a cinematic experience at 30,000 feet. Everyone whose travelled on a plane knows films make the journey more enjoyable and entertaining.
Flights are a great excuse to watch some movies you would generally watch at home when you don’t have the time! On our flight to Cambodia, I got through many Marvel movies which I’d never got watching. Similarly, Alex managed to binge-watch all five of the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, which is pretty impressive!
If you are taking a flight that doesn’t have the TVs on the back of the seats, they sometimes still have apps you can download on your phone to access their in-flight entertainment! You can purchase this on-flight phone stand to make your viewing a bit more comfortable.
5. Play mini board games
Playing mini board games on a flight is a fun and engaging way to pass the time and connect with fellow passengers. Compact and portable versions of classic games like chess, Scrabble, or Uno are perfect for traveling. Challenge your seatmates to a friendly competition and enjoy some lighthearted entertainment that doesn’t require screens. It’s a great way to make your flight more interactive and enjoyable.
6. Listen to Audiobooks
Listening to an audiobook on a flight is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in a captivating story. With a wide range of genres and titles to choose from, you can explore different worlds, learn something new, or indulge in a thrilling narrative. Let the narrator’s voice transport you as you relax and enjoy the journey through the power of storytelling. It’s a convenient and engaging way to make your flight more enjoyable and enriching.
I personally get a bit travel sick if I read for too long on a flight. Even though I love my Kindle, I find listening to audiobooks on Audible a great way to carry on reading without feeling nauseous.
7. Do some phone admin
It might seem left-field but I always find a great way to stay entertained on a flight is to do a bit of phone admin! If I’m on the way to a new holiday, I can clear out my camera roll to make way for my new vacation photos. Likewise, if I’m on my way home, I can edit my new photos to get them ready for social media!
8. Play games on your phone and flight entertainment
If you love playing games on your phone to pass the time, this is the perfect time for it! No matter whether you’re deep into a career save on football manager or looking to perfect your skills on 8-ball pool, you’ll have tons of time to play to your heart’s content. Other favourites of ours include Candy Crush or Clash of Clans! One of the best tips we have is to make sure you have a variety of games downloaded if that’s what you or your family enjoy doing. These are also really handy in airports where there’s been a flight delay, you’re waiting for your plane ride and there’s no airport wifi!
9. Walk around the plane
Walking around on a flight is important to pass the time and maintain good circulation. Prolonged sitting can lead to discomfort, muscle stiffness, and even blood clots. The technical term for the latter is deep vein thrombosis. Taking short walks throughout the cabin helps stretch your legs, improves blood flow, and prevents fatigue. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to stretch and relax, keeping you more comfortable and refreshed during the journey.
We’d recommend buying some flight socks if you are going on a long flight. Airlines don’t always provide these and they are great for your circulation.
10. Sleep
Sleeping on a flight is a popular way to pass the time and make long journeys more bearable. By catching some rest, you can arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed and energized. Utilize a neck pillow, a footrest, an eye mask, and ear plugs to create a comfortable sleeping environment, and make the most of your travel time by getting some much-needed rest.
11. Play cards games
Playing cards on a flight is a great way to pass the time, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family. A simple deck of cards can provide hours of entertainment, whether you’re playing classic games like poker, gin rummy or trying out new ones.
Card games are also a great way to meet new people on the flight and make the time fly by. Just be sure to bring a compact deck of cards that won’t take up too much space in your carry-on bag.
We purchased some waterproof playing cards for our trip and highly recommend them! They come in handy when looking for fun things to do on a plane but also for chilling by the pool and staying occupied in the evenings with new friends!
12. Learn a new language
Learning a new language on a flight is a productive way to pass the time and make the most of your travel hours.
Use language-learning apps or audio lessons to practice vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. Immerse yourself in the language and gain valuable skills that will enhance your travel experiences and connect you with new cultures. Turn your flight into a language-learning opportunity and arrive at your destination with a new set of language abilities.
We took some time on our way to Costa Rica and Panama to try and learn some helpful phrases in Spanish. This helped us massively when talking to the locals getting directions and they’re appreciative if you attempt some Spanish.
13. Colouring
Colouring on a plane is a relaxing and creative way to pass the time during a flight. With adult colouring books and a set of coloured pencils or markers, you can engage your mind, reduce stress, and tap into your artistic side. Colouring is a meditative activity that can help you unwind and enjoy a peaceful journey through the skies. It’s a wonderful way to indulge in a bit of self-expression while making your flight more enjoyable.
14. Have a chat with other passengers
Engaging in conversation with fellow passengers on a plane is a social and enriching way to pass the time. You never know who you might meet and the interesting stories you might hear. Whether it’s discussing travel experiences, sharing recommendations, or simply exchanging pleasant conversations, interacting with others can make the flight more enjoyable and even forge new connections. Just be respectful of personal boundaries and willingness to engage in conversation.
I actually met one of my best friends on a flight to South Africa by using the in-flight chat room. Not everyone will want to be your best friend or even chat at all, but you will be surprised how many people want to talk about their trip!
15. Listen to music
Listening to music is one of the most popular things to do on a plane and creates your personal soundtrack to the journey. Whether it’s relaxing melodies, upbeat tunes, or your favourite albums, music can help you relax, and make the flight more enjoyable. With a good pair of headphones, you can immerse yourself in your favourite songs and let the music accompany you throughout the entire journey. Just be sure you get some noise-cancelling headphones so that your neighbours don’t have to experience it with you.
Spotify have some great aeroplane playlists perfect for if you are trying to get some shut-eye or get excited for your trip!
16. Read some travel guides
Reading travel guides on a plane is a fantastic way to pass the time and fuel your wanderlust. Dive into the pages and explore new destinations, discover hidden gems, and plan future adventures. From breathtaking landscapes to cultural insights, travel guides provide a wealth of information and inspiration, allowing you to escape into the world of travel while soaring through the sky. It’s an engaging and informative way to make your flight a part of your travel journey.
You will find Lonely Planet guidebooks in nearly every airport in the world. Your flight may also have wifi for you to check out some guides online written by fellow travel bloggers.
17. Puzzle books
Puzzle books are an entertaining and engaging way to pass the time on a plane. With a variety of puzzles like crosswords and brain teasers, they offer a mental workout and keep your mind sharp. Challenge yourself, test your problem-solving skills, and immerse yourself in the world of puzzles, making the flight enjoyable and rewarding. Plus, they are compact and easy to carry, making them an ideal travel companion.
18. Drink
Free alcohol is one of the many perks of a long flight so why not enjoy a glass of wine alongside one of the other activities on this list to full make the most out of your flight?
It’s essential to stay hydrated with water and be mindful of alcohol’s effects at high altitudes. Always follow airline regulations and drink in moderation to ensure a pleasant and safe travel experience.
19. Listen to a guided meditation
Listening to a guided meditation on a plane is a wonderful way to relax, unwind, and find inner calm amidst the travel hustle. With soothing voices and peaceful music, guided meditations help reduce stress, promote mindfulness, and create a serene atmosphere. It’s a refreshing break from the constant movement and noise, allowing you to reconnect with yourself and find tranquillity in the midst of the journey.
I’m not a huge meditation lover but I do find it helps me relax and calm my anxiety if I am on a flight with a lot of turbulence.
The Daily Meditation or Untangle podcasts are two of many great shows which are suitable for all experiences!
20. Snack!
Snacking on delicious treats is a tasty thing to do on a plane to pass the time. Pack your favourite snacks, like nuts, granola bars, or dried fruit, to satisfy your cravings and keep your energy levels up. Enjoy the flavours, savour each bite, and let the culinary experience add an extra layer of enjoyment to your journey. Just be mindful of portion sizes and choose snacks that won’t make you feel too heavy or bloated during the flight.
21. Treat yourself to a pamper sesh
Treating yourself to a pamper session on a long flight is a luxurious way to pass the time and rejuvenate. Bring travel-sized skincare products, a hydrating face mask, and a cosy eye mask. Indulge in a mini facial, moisturize your skin, and relax. It’s a self-care ritual that can make you feel refreshed and pampered, turning your flight into a blissful and revitalizing experience.
22. Journal
Journalling on a long flight is a meaningful way to pass the time and reflect on your travel experiences. Write about your expectations, document your thoughts, or capture memorable moments. It’s a therapeutic activity that allows you to process your emotions, organize your thoughts, and create a lasting record of your journey. Journalling can be a creative outlet and a personal keepsake that enhances your travel experience.
23. Plan your itinerary
Planning your itinerary on a long flight is an exciting and productive way to pass the time. Research attractions, restaurants, and activities, and create a detailed plan for your upcoming adventures. Dive into travel guides, websites, and recommendations to curate the perfect itinerary. It builds anticipation, helps you make the most of your trip, and ensures a smooth and organized travel experience.
24. Shopping duty-free
Shopping duty-free on a long flight is a popular way to pass the time and indulge in some retail therapy. Explore the onboard duty-free catalogue, and browse through a variety of products, from perfumes and cosmetics to electronics and souvenirs. Treat yourself or find unique gifts for loved ones, adding an element of excitement and anticipation to your journey. Just remember to stay within your budget and be mindful of your purchases as you don’t want to spend your precious vacation fund before you even get there!
25. Do some work
While not necessarily a fun activity, utilizing your time on a long flight to get some work done can be a productive way to pass the time. Bring your laptop or tablet, catch up on emails, complete tasks, or work on projects. It allows you to make progress on professional or personal endeavours, maximizing your efficiency and freeing up time for leisure activities once you reach your destination.
I find flights a great chance to get some blog writing done as there are limited distractions and my trip is still fresh in my brain!
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Ultimately, no matter what you choose to do on a plane, make sure you enjoy it. There’s nothing stopping you from freshening things up and constantly switching around to keep yourself entertained. And if all else fails, what harm can a little bit of extra sleep do?
So there you have it, our guide to How to Stay Entertained on a Long Flight, giving you all the best things to do on a plane. This will allow you to pack accordingly and make sure yourself, family or friends are fully entertained for however long your journey is!
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Disclaimer: Some of the links included on our website may contain affiliate links. We may receive some commission from purchases made via these but it will NOT affect the price you pay. This is to allow this site to stay online and ensure that readers use, what we believe, are the best products possible whilst travelling.
