18 things to do on a plane to pass the time

• A long flight can make you bored or restless, so it’s important to find ways to occupy yourself on board
• Things to do on a plane range from productive tasks to entertaining hobbies
• Remember to prioritize your wellbeing – rest, refuel, and stretch regularly

The feeling of boarding a flight to a destination you’ve dreamed of visiting is unmatched, but the process of getting there can be boring. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a casual traveler, coming up with things to do on a long flight can be challenging. From creative pursuits to productive hacks, we’ve thought of everything you can do to keep busy on your next plane ride.

18 things to do on a plane to pass the time

Even the most seasoned traveler can run out of ideas for what to do on a flight – especially long-haul flights. However, with a little bit of planning, your upcoming air travel can be enriching, entertaining, or a good mix of both. If you’re traveling alone, have a fear of flying, or are just looking to optimize your travel experience, these tips will help you make the most of your flight.

1. In-flight entertainment

Most airlines offer in-flight entertainment for longer or international flights, so be sure to browse their curated collection of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts. The flight attendant typically hands out earphones after take-off, which you can just plug in and start watching. The in-flight entertainment also lets you track the weather and learn interesting things about your journey and destination through the flight map.

2. Watch a movie

The in-flight entertainment can help you discover new movies, but the selection may be limited. Instead of browsing through the media library trying to find something to watch, use the time to cross off a movie you’ve been wanting to watch but haven’t gotten around to. The in-flight menu may not have it, so make sure you pre-download it to your phone or tablet to watch on the flight.

3. Catch up on a TV show

In-flight entertainment typically offers only a few episodes of popular TV shows, so if you want to watch something specific, it’s best to download it in advance on your phone or tablet. Perhaps the latest season of your favorite TV show just came out, or is there a new show everyone’s been talking about? A long flight is the perfect time to binge-watch all episodes in one sitting – make sure to download them before your flight.

4. Read a book

If there’s no in-flight entertainment or you’d rather do a digital detox, settle in with a book. Pack one that’s been sitting on your bedside table or pick up a best seller at the airport bookshop – the uninterrupted hours on a flight are just what you need to get cracking on your reading list without any distractions. You can also download e-books or audiobooks to your e-reader or a digital device if you want to travel light but still have several options to choose from.

5. Plan your itinerary

Make the most of your journey by learning more about the places you’re visiting. You can buy a guidebook on the destination or save some travel blogs for offline use and read about local culture, sights to see, and insider tips. Depending on how you like to travel, make a note of things that interest you the most or create a detailed day-to-day itinerary. By the time your flight lands, you’ll be more prepared and feel confident to explore a new place.

6. Learn the local language

If you’re traveling to a country whose local language you don’t speak, learning a few basic phrases can go a long way. You can get a travel dictionary to pick up some common vocabulary or use an app like Duolingo on your phone. Either download some courses for offline use or ensure you’ll have in-flight wi-fi to access the learning resources.

Key language points to focus on are:

• Greeting people
• Introducing yourself
• Placing an order
• Asking the price of something
• Checking into a hotel
• Asking where important places are located (hotel, airport, taxi stand, bus stop, attraction, bathroom, restaurant, hospital, grocery store, shops, etc.)
• Communicating any special needs or dietary requirements you have (a food allergy, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, etc.)

7. Play a game

One of the best ways to entertain yourself (and others) on a flight is to play a game. You have several options to choose from – if you’re traveling solo, you can play Solitaire with a deck of cards, play games on your phone, or solve a puzzle by yourself. A book of crossword or sudoku puzzles, a Rubik’s cube, or even a miniature jigsaw puzzle are fun things to pack for a solo flight. You can also bring travel-sized board games to play with a travel companion or even the person sitting next to you.

8. Make new friends

Traveling alone can be an enriching experience because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and introduces you to new things. Capitalize on this from the get-go by striking up a conversation with the people around you, and you might just make a new friend. Simple questions like asking someone where they’re from and whether they’re headed to your destination for work or a vacation can be the start of an interesting chat and help you learn more about people from all over the world. A local or resident might even have some offbeat recommendations and insider tips to share.

9. Take in the view

Landed the coveted window seat on a long-haul flight? That might be all the in-flight entertainment you need. Try gazing out the window – you might catch a stunning sunrise or sunset, expanses of fluffy clouds, or bird’s eye views of the earth. You can start building your collection of travel memories by snapping a few photos of the scenery from a whole new perspective. It’s also fun to turn on the flight map to track where you are and what you’re flying over for a cool extra detail.

10. Do something creative

Taking a break from screens can be a great way to tap into your artistic side. Bring along a journal for writing or doodling, or pack a few essentials for your favorite hobbies. Think sketchbooks, origami papers, knitting or crochet supplies, adult coloring books, or a travel scrapbook. On the flight home from a trip? That could be the perfect time to start documenting your travel memories while they’re still fresh in your mind. Try jotting down a blog entry, adding photos and keepsakes like tickets and stamps to a scrapbook, or even making a digital scrapbook or video montage of your vacation.

11. Study or work

If you’re going on a work trip or headed to college, catch up on some work or assignments on the flight. Be sure to check whether you’ll have Wifi access on the flight or make the necessary arrangements to work offline. Even if you’re just going on vacation, a long flight is a great place to check things off your to-do list and wrap up any pending work so you can enjoy your time off.

12. Sleep

Not everyone can sleep comfortably on flights, but getting some rest is crucial when you’re traveling long hours and across time zones. Sleeping on the plane will also help you sync your body clock to the destination you’re visiting and beat jet lag. Long-haul flights typically offer a small pillow and a blanket, but remember to pack earplugs, an eye mask, and a neck pillow for maximum comfort. Keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water, and opt for a calming, herbal tea instead of coffee to promote restful sleep.

13. Meditate

More and more people are challenging themselves to take long flights without any kind of entertainment in an effort to be more present and engage with their thoughts away from external stimuli. Even if you can’t spend the entire flight doing nothing, the social media trend is a reminder to practice at least a few minutes of mindfulness and meditation. Couple this with deep breathing, especially if you’re a nervous flyer, to relax your body along with your mind.

14. Stretch

Sitting in the same position for hours can cause stiffness and discomfort, so it’s important to stretch every couple of hours. Try some basic breathing exercises and seated yoga to release tension in your neck, shoulders, and back, or get up and walk around to stretch your legs when the seatbelt sign is off. Just remember to follow proper airplane etiquette by moving mindfully and being considerate of your fellow passengers.

15. Shop

Many airlines offer duty-free shopping on board, especially on international flights. Look for the in-flight catalogue or magazine and browse their selection – gifts, cosmetics, perfumes, electronics, accessories, and alcohol are popular choices. Even if you’re not looking to shop, you might just discover a cool new product or remember a travel essential you forgot to bring, such as a portable charger or neck pillow. In-flight shopping also comes in handy if you’re on your way home and haven’t got any souvenirs for your friends and family from your trip.

16. Eat and drink

While airline food may not be your first choice for a meal, you can always make the dining experience more enjoyable. Check the menu early on and ask the flight attendant for your preferred snack or meal option if possible. More often than not, they’ll be happy to accommodate your request if you haven’t pre-booked your meal. You can also purchase food and drinks of your choice from the in-flight menu. If your flight doesn’t include any food, pack a light meal or snacks from home in case you get hungry. Trail mixes, crackers and cheese, or a protein bar are great options to keep you fueled on the go. Flights can be dehydrating, so keep sipping on water, especially if you’re drinking tea, coffee, or alcoholic beverages.

17. Listen to music or podcasts

Discover a new artist or true-crime podcast on the in-flight entertainment selection, or bring your own along for the ride. Download music to your phone for offline listening, or curate a special playlist for your vacation. You can also listen to white noise or sleep sounds to help you feel calm and drift off to sleep. If you’re into podcasts, line up a few of your favorites or use the time to explore different genres – from educational podcasts on finance, tech, business, and geopolitics to content around movies, music, comedy, pop culture, and sports.

18. Clean up your phone

With your phone on airplane mode and a few hours to pass, you can finally check off the tedious task of organizing your data. Start by going through your camera roll and music library and deleting everything you don’t need. While you’re doing this, consider going the extra mile and sorting what you keep into folders and playlists. It’s also a good idea to check which apps are taking up the most space and uninstall any you don’t use. To cap it off, clear your cache and reboot your phone for optimum performance. If your phone often runs out of storage, you’ll be glad you made enough room to capture all your travel memories.