18 things to do on a plane to pass the time

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

Even the most seasoned traveller 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 travelling alone, have a fear of flying, or are just looking to optimise your travel experience, these tips will help you make the most of your flight.

1. In-flight entertainment

Many airlines offer in-flight entertainment on longer or international flights, so be sure to browse their curated collection of films, TV shows, music and podcasts. On some flights, cabin crew may provide earphones after take-off, allowing you to use the in-flight entertainment system. The in-flight entertainment may also let you track the weather and learn interesting things about your journey and destination through the flight map.

2. Watch a film

The in-flight entertainment can help you find new films, 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 film you’ve been wanting to watch but haven’t had the time yet. It may not be available in the in-flight library, so download it in advance 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. Has the latest season of your favourite TV show just come out, or is there a new show everyone’s been talking about? A long flight is the right 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 bestseller at the airport bookshop – the uninterrupted hours on a flight are just what you need to get started 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 travelling 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 one of the many apps available to keep quizzing yourself on your phone. Either download some courses for offline use or check whether 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 rank, bus stop, attraction, toilet, restaurant, hospital or supermarket)
• Communicating any special needs or dietary requirements you have (a food allergy, if you’re vegan or vegetarian, etc)

7. Play a game

One way to entertain yourself (and others) on a flight is to play a game. You have several options to choose from – if you’re travelling 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

Travelling alone can be an enriching experience because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and introduces you to new things. Make the most of the journey from the start 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 holiday 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 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 useful extra detail.

10. Do something creative

Taking a break from screens can be an effective way to tap into your artistic side. Bring along a journal for writing or doodling, or pack a few essentials for your favourite hobbies. Think sketchbooks, origami papers, knitting or crochet supplies, adult colouring books, or a travel scrapbook. On the flight home from a trip? That could be the right 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 holiday.

11. Study or work

If you’re going on a work trip or heading to university, catch up on some work or assignments on the flight. Be sure to check whether you’ll have Wi-Fi access on the flight or make the necessary arrangements to work offline. Even if you’re just going on holiday, a long flight is a good opportunity to tick items 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 important when you’re travelling for long periods and across time zones. Sleeping on the plane may also help you adjust to the time zone at your destination. Long-haul flights typically offer a small pillow and a blanket, but remember to pack earplugs, an eye mask and a neck pillow for greater comfort. Keep a bottle of water with you, and choose herbal tea instead of coffee if you’d prefer a caffeine-free drink before sleeping.

13. Meditate

Some 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 trend is a reminder to practise 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 aeroplane 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 find a 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. They may be able 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 practical options to keep you fuelled on the go. The cabin air can feel dry, so remember to sip water, even if you’re already drinking tea, coffee or alcoholic beverages.

17. Listen to music or podcasts

Listen to music by a new artist or true-crime podcast from 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 holiday. 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, queue up a few of your favourites or use the time to explore different genres – from educational podcasts on finance, technology, business and geopolitics to content about films, music, comedy, popular culture and sport.

18. Clean up your phone

With your phone on aeroplane mode and a few hours to pass, you can finally check off the tedious task of organising 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 restart your phone, which may help it run more smoothly. If your phone often runs out of storage, you’ll be glad you made enough room to capture all your travel memories.