Long flights can be extremely boring if you don’t have someone to talk to or can’t sleep on a moving plane. But traveling is supposed to be fun, and in the age of smartphones and laptops, it shouldn’t be that hard finding something you can do. This article has got you covered if you need an instant solution. Read on for a few ideas to keep yourself entertained during a flight.
- Play online games
If you are an online casino buff, this should be the first idea that hits you. Most modern casinos have an assortment of more than 500 games that you can play without necessarily downloading an app. From fighting games to road racing through to online slots, all tastes are addressed. And if you want that rousing atmosphere of a brick-and-mortar casino, you can play live casino games. These let you play virtually against gamers in different parts of the world and, sometimes, a real human dealer.
- Watch a movie
In-flight entertainment for long-haul flights is usually really good, regardless of the airline. You’ll not only get a decent list of entertainment options but also enjoy the opportunity to watch movies that have probably not been made available for home viewing. So, if there is a show you have been dying to watch, check the airline’s website; perhaps it is in the lineup for your flight.
For planes that don’t have or you suspect don’t have personal entertainment screens, come with a fully charged phone, tablet, or laptop equipped with enough movies and TV shows to see you through the flight.
- Listen to music
Virtually all airlines have a music playlist in their entertainment systems. They offer a variety of genres, too, so if you are a fan of modern mainstream music, you can rest assured you will find something worth listening to.
- Listen to podcasts
If you are not exactly a music enthusiast, you can listen to podcasts. They are pretty popular right now, and they cover an extensive range of domains. News junkies, mystery and sci-fi aficionados, sports buffs, etc., are all catered for.
The best thing about podcasts is that you can listen to them offline. You just need to know what tickles your fancy and create a download checklist to tick off before your flight. You will be astounded at how easily you can get engrossed in an interesting story.
- Get on social media
Several years ago, you would get disconnected from the rest of the world the moment you step in a plane. That is not the case anymore. Even the cheapest flights now have Wi-Fi for passengers to connect to the internet and get on with their online activities like they aren’t 38,000 feet above the surface. You can continue with your group chats or take pictures and post them on your Instagram or Snapchat timeline. As long as your phone is charged, there is virtually nothing internet-related you can’t do. The Wi-Fi fee for most flights ranges between $5 and $25, depending on the amount of time you stay connected. If you fly regularly using the same flight, you can buy an unlimited package beforehand and forget about paying for Wi-Fi ever again.
- Write a travel journal
If keeping a journal of your travel experiences is something you have always wanted to do, perhaps it’s time to give it a try. Journals provide a great way to record those small incidents and interactions that you are likely to forget.
You can jot down your notes in a conventional physical journal or download a digital one from Google Play Store or App Store.
- Do something productive
Believe it or not, some people draw entertainment from catching up on tasks and reviewing their previous works. Some say they are actually more productive when traveling—perhaps because they know they don’t have a supervisor’s pressure on their shoulders and that they have the freedom to switch activities at any time.
- Learn the local language
If you expect language barriers at your destination, flight time is a good time to get a nodding acquaintance with local phrases. Focus on simple phrases like “hello,” “goodbye,” and “thank you,” and their responses. Mastering a few sentences can pump you with confidence as you get off the plane and brace you up for interaction with the locals.