Things to Do on a Plane

Air travel doesn’t have to feel like an endless waiting game. A quick domestic hop or a lengthy international trip can become enjoyable when you know the right things to do. The right activities will make your time in the air pass quickly.

Your flight time presents many chances to mix entertainment with productivity. This piece shows you everything about keeping yourself entertained on planes. You’ll find practical ways to stay busy and comfortable throughout your flight, whatever its length. Planning your trip itinerary or catching up on your favorite TV shows can make the hours zoom by.

Entertainment Options for Long Flights

Airlines have turned air travel into an entertainment paradise. They work hard to involve passengers throughout their flights. Your time in the sky becomes more enjoyable with entertainment options of all types.

Movies and TV shows

Airlines have transformed their in-flight entertainment systems with vast catalogs of movies and TV shows. Passengers can access content through seatback screens or airline apps on personal devices. American Airlines, United, Delta, and Southwest provide their own entertainment platforms, so downloading your airline’s app before takeoff will enhance your journey.

Entertainment apps to download before your flight:

• Airline’s official app
• Netflix (with downloaded content)
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney+
• HBO Max

Books and audiobooks

Your flight time becomes a perfect chance to head over to that book you’ve been wanting to read. The Hunger Games, The Hobbit, and The Help remain top picks among travelers. Audiobooks provide a great alternative that lets you enjoy stories while eating or resting your eyes.

Podcasts and music playlists

The perfect travel playlist enhances your flight experience significantly. Spotify Premium users benefit from the new Offline Backup feature that creates an automatic playlist of tracks you played for offline listening. Podcast fans should download episodes from shows like How I Built This or The Documentary by BBC that blend entertainment with learning.

Note that entertainment preparation needs to happen before boarding because realizing you forgot to download content once airborne is frustrating. While larger aircraft provide Wi-Fi and entertainment options, having your own backup entertainment ready makes more sense.

Your entertainment selection should match your flight duration. A mix of different entertainment types helps you avoid boredom during longer flights and lets you switch activities based on your mood.

Productive Activities to Pass the Time

Flying at 30,000 feet gives you a perfect chance to be productive instead of just waiting around. A well-prepared mindset lets you transform your flight into a mobile office where you can plan and work effectively.

Catching up on work

Your flight can become a focused work session with proper planning. A good strategy involves opening all needed documents in separate tabs and making them available offline before boarding. Treat your flight as Wi-Fi-free time to maintain focus and avoid distractions, even when internet access exists.

A productive flight experience needs these key preparations:

• Save all cloud-based documents locally
• Make a specific to-do list with airplane-friendly tasks
• Bring noise-canceling headphones
• Pick a window seat to minimize interruptions

Simple tasks work best since technical issues won’t disrupt them completely. Flight time gives you a perfect opportunity to review documents, give feedback, or generate new ideas.

Planning your trip itinerary

Flight time is a perfect time to polish your travel plans. Your journey might be a weekend getaway or an extended vacation, and this quiet time lets you craft a memorable experience.

Research your destination’s must-see attractions and create a realistic schedule that balances structured activities with free exploration. Don’t overload your itinerary – you’ll want room for unexpected finds and local tips.

You can think about getting a trip-planning app before your flight or bring a notebook for traditional planning. The key is to organize accommodation details, map out daily activities, and learn local customs and phrases that will boost your travel experience.

Writing or journaling

Flights create the perfect setting for personal reflection and creative writing. You can document your travel experiences or simply clear your mind while journaling serves both productive and therapeutic purposes.

Your travel journal becomes a cherished record of your experiences that captures events, thoughts and emotions along the way. The unique touch of recording your current altitude and destination at the start of each entry adds a special view to your memories.

The quiet moments spent writing during flights help you stay present and mindful throughout your experience. Your observations become meaningful travel memories as you note everything from the changing scenery below to the interesting characters you meet on board.

Fun Games and Activities

Simple activities keep you entertained best during plane rides. I’ve spent countless hours in the sky and found that classic games can transform a boring flight into an enjoyable experience.

Card games and travel-sized board games

A deck of cards stands unmatched as the ultimate entertainment solution during air travel. Classic card games deliver endless fun without consuming valuable space in your carry-on bag. UNO makes family trips enjoyable, and Crazy Eights helps break the ice with fellow passengers during extended flights.

These flight-tested games never disappoint:

• Standard playing cards that enable Blackjack or Solitaire
• Space-efficient card games like Skip-bo or Phase 10
• Magnetic chess or backgammon sets designed for travel
• Monopoly Deal that offers quick property trading rounds

Pro tip: Select games with few pieces that work well on your tray table to avoid losing them in turbulent conditions.

Word puzzles and brain teasers

Make your plane ride a mental workout with word puzzles and brain teasers. These activities help pass time and keep your mind active during long flights. Crosswords and word searches work great for solo travelers, and probability puzzles test your analytical skills.

Brain teasers work best as plane entertainment because they need little space and let you solve them at your own speed. Riddles and logic puzzles are fun to share with your seatmate. They spark conversations and make flight time zoom past.

Drawing and coloring

Adult coloring books have become a popular choice for in-flight entertainment, and with good reason too. These books serve as creative outlets and help relieve stress during turbulent flights. Pack a small set of colored pencils (they’re more plane-friendly than markers) and unleash your creativity at 35,000 feet.

Sketching offers a more adventurous option to pass time. You can capture the changing landscapes below or create quick drawings of fellow passengers. The aerial point of view provides endless inspiration, and you’ll have a lasting memento from your trip. Tech-savvy travelers might prefer tablet drawing apps that offer a space-efficient alternative to traditional art supplies.

The best airplane activities need minimal space and few pieces that could get lost. These games and activities will make your flight time more enjoyable while keeping your carry-on light and manageable, whether you’re flying solo or with companions.

Self-Care and Relaxation

Your physical and mental well-being deserves equal attention as entertainment during long flights. My journeys across multiple time zones and endless hours in the air have taught me a valuable lesson. Simple self-care practices during your flight can revolutionize your travel experience from draining to energizing.

Stretching and simple exercises

Your in-flight movement matters beyond just comfort – it directly impacts your health. Set an alarm every two hours and get up to move around. Singapore Airlines has worked with exercise physiologists to create specific in-seat stretching routines. Here are some exercises that work well whatever airline you choose:

• Ankle circles and foot pumps to improve circulation
• Seated hamstring stretches to prevent stiffness
• Shoulder rolls and neck stretches for upper body tension
• Hip flexor stretches to curb sitting discomfort
• Gentle spinal twists for overall mobility

Your movements should stay controlled and gentle while considering the tight space and other passengers. Bathroom breaks give you a perfect chance to do standing calf stretches or take a gentle walk down the aisle.

Meditation and mindfulness

Your mind deserves a break from movies and games during flights. The steady engine noise creates perfect background sounds to meditate. Here’s a simple meditation practice that works great at 30,000 feet:

1. Sit comfortably and keep your feet flat on the floor
2. Notice your natural breathing pattern
3. Rest your hands on your lap with palms facing up
4. Let your thoughts drift by like clouds without judgment
5. Repeat a simple phrase like “I am calm” as you breathe

Download meditation apps like Headspace before takeoff to guide you through sessions. These apps help especially during stressful moments like takeoff and landing. The “Sa Ta Na Ma” meditation offers a more integrated experience – you can tap your fingers rhythmically while silently chanting without anyone noticing.

Napping tips for comfort

Quality rest during flights helps passengers arrive feeling refreshed. The secret lies in creating an environment that matches ideal sleep conditions. Research shows positioning the seat at 135 degrees reduces body pressure and prevents blood clots effectively.

Create a pre-sleep ritual similar to bedtime at home. Here are some proven strategies that enhance comfort:

• Layer clothing comfortably to adapt to cabin temperature changes
• Support your lower back with a rolled-up jacket or blanket
• Put on compression socks to boost circulation
• Apply cooling patches under eyes and hydrating masks on lips
• Keep personal items within reach without bending down

Pro tip: Blood clots become more likely when legs are crossed during sleep. Keep both feet flat on the floor with slightly bent knees instead.

Staying hydrated plays a vital role during plane rides. Drink eight ounces of water hourly while in the air. More bathroom trips might result, but hydration helps you rest comfortably and fights the cabin’s dry air. A small humidifier spray or nose drops can keep nasal passages moisturized well.

Sleep might not come easily at first. A flight-tested technique can help – read a book under the reading light briefly, just like at home. This familiar routine signals your body to rest naturally. Note that heavy meals should be avoided. Sleep-promoting snacks like bananas work better since they contain natural compounds that regulate the sleep cycle.

Air travel gives you plenty of ways to use your time effectively – through entertainment, productivity, games, or self-care activities. My extensive time crossing time zones has taught me that successful flights need a balanced approach. You should mix engaging entertainment with productive tasks while staying physically comfortable through planned movement and rest periods. These tested methods turn routine hours into valuable time.

Smart preparation and thoughtful activity choices create memorable flights that enhance your travel rather than just fill time between destinations. Pack your favorite downloaded shows, bring that gripping novel, or plan specific work projects to ensure your time in the air serves your goals. Each flight gives you unique opportunities to rest, reflect, and arrive ready for your next adventure. Your mindset and preparation determine whether you simply endure a flight or truly enjoy the travel.

FAQs: Things To Do On A Plane

What is fun to do on a plane?

Fun things to do on a plane include watching movies, reading a good book, or playing travel-friendly games. Without WiFi, you can enjoy downloaded shows or podcasts, solve puzzles, or sketch. Engaging in these activities can make your flight more enjoyable and help pass the time quickly.

How to entertain yourself on a plane?

To entertain yourself on a plane, you can bring along a variety of activities such as books, movies, or music. Without WiFi, things to do on a plane include writing in a journal, drawing, or doing crossword puzzles. These options ensure you stay engaged and entertained throughout the flight.

What to do when you’re on a plane?

When you’re on a plane, it’s a great time to catch up on reading, watch downloaded movies, or listen to music or podcasts. You can also enjoy fun things to do on a plane like playing card games or doing a travel-themed activity book. These activities make the flight experience more pleasant and productive.

How do you timepass on a plane?

To pass time on a plane, consider bringing along a mix of activities such as books, games, and downloaded content. Engaging in things to do on a plane without WiFi like journaling, coloring, or working on puzzles can be very fulfilling. These activities help make the hours fly by.

How can I make my flight more enjoyable?

Making your flight more enjoyable involves planning ahead with a variety of entertainment options and comfort items. Bring along fun things to do on a plane such as movies, books, and games, and don’t forget a neck pillow and snacks. Staying hydrated and stretching periodically also enhances the flying experience.

How to relax on a long flight?

To relax on a long flight, try listening to soothing music or guided meditations and bring a comfortable neck pillow and blanket. Without WiFi, you can engage in calming activities like reading, drawing, or writing. Practicing deep breathing exercises and gentle stretching can also help you stay relaxed.

Is a 10 hour flight safe?

Yes, a 10-hour flight is generally safe for most people. Ensuring comfort by moving around occasionally, staying hydrated, and following airline safety guidelines can enhance your well-being. Preparing with things to do on a long flight helps keep you occupied and comfortable.

What is the longest flight in the world?

The longest flight in the world is the Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to New York, covering approximately 18-19 hours nonstop. Planning activities such as reading, watching movies, and bringing things to do on an airplane without WiFi can make such long flights more bearable. This flight showcases the extreme endurance of modern aviation.

How to spend time in a flight?

Spending time on a flight can be enjoyable with a mix of activities like reading, watching movies, and playing games. Without WiFi, consider writing, drawing, or doing puzzles to keep entertained. Planning ahead with various things to do on a plane ensures a pleasant flight experience.

Do planes have WiFi?

Many modern planes do offer WiFi, though availability can vary by airline and flight route. When WiFi isn’t available, it’s useful to have a backup plan with things to do on a plane without WiFi, such as reading, offline games, or downloaded entertainment. Checking in advance can help you prepare for your flight.

How to spend 15 hours on a plane?

To spend 15 hours on a plane comfortably, mix up activities like watching movies, reading books, and sleeping. Without WiFi, engaging in fun things to do on a plane like puzzles, writing, and drawing can help pass the time. Staying hydrated and moving around periodically also contributes to a more pleasant journey.

How do you enjoy being on a plane?

Enjoying being on a plane involves preparing with a variety of entertainment and comfort items. Bring things for kids to do on a plane, such as coloring books and toys, to keep them occupied. For yourself, activities like reading, watching movies, and listening to music can make the experience more enjoyable.

What will knock me out on a plane?

To help you sleep on a plane, consider using sleep aids like melatonin, earplugs, and an eye mask. Bringing a neck pillow and a cozy blanket can also make it easier to relax and fall asleep. Ensure you have some quiet, calming things to do on a plane without WiFi, such as listening to soothing music or guided meditation.

Should I sleep on my flight?

Sleeping on your flight can be beneficial, especially on long or overnight flights, to help adjust to time zone changes and reduce fatigue. Using comfort items like a neck pillow and eye mask, along with quiet things to do on a plane, can facilitate better sleep. Whether to sleep depends on your travel schedule and personal preference.

What does “red eye” mean in flights?

A “red eye” flight refers to an overnight flight that departs late in the evening and arrives early in the morning, often causing passengers to get little sleep and arrive with tired, red eyes. Preparing with comfortable items and quiet activities like reading or listening to audiobooks can make a red eye flight more bearable. Planning things to do on a plane for such flights can help you manage the long hours and potential discomfort.

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