Tips for Staying Entertained During Long Flights

As someone who frequently takes some of the world’s longest flights—at least twice a year—I actively seek out ways to occupy the extensive travel hours, which can exceed 24 hours. Finding it challenging to doze off on planes, disliking the available in-seat entertainment, and traveling with just my mobile phone and a few accessories leaves me in need of engaging alternatives. After trying various methods, I’ve compiled a list of effective strategies to stay entertained on long-haul flights.

In-Flight Wi-Fi Considerations

While nearly every airline now provides in-flight Wi-Fi, the fees are often exorbitant; my last trip charged $7 for just an hour, a price I consider outrageous. Being budget-conscious and believing that given the high ticket prices Wi-Fi should be free, I usually opt against purchasing it. Consequently, I’ve focused my recommendations on offline activities to enjoy during long flights.

Play Mobile Games

Mobile gaming has become a major hit with developers and players alike, showcasing an impressive variety of genres. Long flights offer an excellent opportunity to dive into these games. Although many titles require Internet access due to multiplayer modes or in-app purchases, there are still numerous offline options available once initially downloaded.

Some of my favorite offline mobile games include titles like Vampire Survivors and Fallout: Shelter. However, if gaming isn’t your thing, consider more casual apps that present puzzles such as Sudoku or crosswords—classic choices like Solitaire can also be quite enjoyable.

If you have a Netflix subscription, don’t forget to check out their games, which can be played offline and are free from advertisements.

Explore Emulators

Long flights are also a fantastic opportunity to revisit cherished gaming classics using emulators. Android users have access to a broad range of emulators spanning systems like Game Boy Advance, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64—there’s likely an emulator for any console you can name. While acquiring games can be a legal gray area, sourcing them isn’t overly complicated. You may also use frontend applications like DIG or Daijisho to streamline and manage your games and emulators.

Unfortunately, iOS users have fewer options as the Apple Store has only recently permitted emulator apps. Nevertheless, you should still be able to find enough to keep you entertained during your flight. While touchscreen controls will suffice, a Bluetooth controller can enhance your gameplay experience significantly.

Tune in to Podcasts

Prolonged screen time isn’t ideal for our well-being, as blue light exposure can keep our brains alert and lead to eye strain, making the flying experience more difficult. If you struggle to fall asleep during flights, finding other engaging pastimes is essential. I must confess that I didn’t explore the world of podcasts until recently, but after trying them on a flight, I quickly became a dedicated fan.

The main benefit of podcasts is the ability to close your eyes and listen, providing your eyes with much-needed relief from fatigue. This distraction can help redirect your focus away from the sounds of engines or the cries of restless infants. Apps like Spotify let you download episodes for offline occasions. A favorite of mine is Bandsplain, which thoroughly examines the histories of popular bands. Additionally, certain podcasts offer downloadable MP3s directly from their websites, such as The Flop House, which humorously critiques poor films.

Download Your Favorite Music

On a recent flight where a group of diehard Taylor Swift fans headed to her Eras Tour in Melbourne, their excitement dwindled when they realized streaming their Spotify playlists was impossible once their devices were set to Airplane mode. They rushed to download as many songs as they could just before departure.

To avoid a last-minute scramble and ensure you have ample tunes for the entire journey, make sure to download your favorite songs from Spotify in advance. For collectors of physical media, ripping CDs to digital formats for transfer to your device is advisable. If your phone supports external storage through microSD cards, move your music files there to free up internal storage.

Offline Viewing: Download Shows

In-flight entertainment can be subpar; the screens tend to be too close, and the selection is often limited to new blockbuster movies or incomplete TV series, plus there’s always a risk of technical difficulties. For instance, once during a flight from Sydney to L.A., the entertainment system beside me malfunctioned, and with the flight fully booked, the nearby passenger had no choice but to endure it without alternatives. Even though he received complimentary Wi-Fi, it was hardly a substitute for proper entertainment.

To bypass these frustrations altogether, prepare before your flight and fill your device with the films and TV episodes you wish to view. Whether you’re finishing a series prior to takeoff or starting something new, download your preferred episodes ahead of time. Most streaming services, including Netflix, offer the option to save content for offline viewing.

Enjoy Reading

I always pack a paperback to decrease screen time during flights. Alternatively, consider using an e-reader app on your mobile device for a more minimalist approach. When you’re confined to your seat in midair, it’s an ideal moment to catch up on reading.

As an Android user, I’ve relied on Moon+ Reader for years due to its compatibility with nearly every file format alongside its user-friendly interface. Numerous e-reader apps exist for both Android and iOS—find one you enjoy and load it with books. For less eye strain, consider downloading audiobooks instead.

Study a New Language

When embarking on a long-haul flight, you have a golden opportunity to immerse yourself in language lessons. Many language-learning apps are available, but only a select few can be used offline.

If you choose to skip in-flight Wi-Fi, I recommend downloading Babbel on your device. This app allows users to download language modules directly, enabling you to continue your studies without needing an Internet connection (iOS, Android).

Unleash Your Creativity

If sketching is your way of passing the time but you prefer not to carry art supplies, you’re in luck! Many drawing applications are available to channel your artistic energy without the bulkiness of a sketch pad and pencils. Whether you love charcoal, watercolor, or digital markers, there’s an app suited for every artist on the go.

Several art apps function entirely offline, such as Sketchbook (iOS, Android) and ArtFlow (Android). Be sure to activate these apps online prior to your journey. For those with a device compatible with a stylus, creating your masterpiece on the go will be even more enjoyable.

Dive into Wikipedia

If you’re anything like me, you’ve spent plenty of time lost in Wikipedia’s depths—researching one topic often leads you to explore something entirely different. For this reason, Wikipedia can serve as a fantastic time-killer during those long flights.

Although Wikipedia has an official app, it necessitates Internet access. Instead, consider using Kiwix (iOS, Android), a free offline browser that enables users to download articles from educational sites like Wikipedia and TED. Pre-flight, download comprehensive articles to delve into; I recommend lengthy subjects such as “World War II” to ensure you have ample reading material for your time in the air.

Remember Your Charger or Power Bank

Since many of the activities mentioned above involve mobile devices, it’s essential to have a charging cable handy to replenish your device’s battery. Alternatively, if you’re flying on an airline without charging ports, bring along a power bank—just make sure its specifications comply with airline regulations.

Though long flights may seem like a test of endurance, the right approach and a variety of engaging options can transform your cramped time in the air into a pleasurable and relaxing journey! Whether you prefer on-flight entertainment or want to stay productive, be sure to install these applications before taking off to hit the ground running upon arrival. Safe travels!

Image credit: Pexels. All screenshots by Ryan Lynch.