Did you know? The longest commercial flight in the world lasts over 18 hours! Sitting for such extended periods can be exhausting, but with the right strategies, long flights can become a relaxing and even enjoyable experience.

Whether you’re flying across the globe or just a few time zones away, making your journey comfortable is essential. From entertainment and sleep hacks to health-conscious travel tips, this guide will help you stay relaxed, engaged, and refreshed throughout your flight.

1. Watch a Long Movie or Watch a TV Show

For a long-haul flight, you can’t beat getting lost in a movie or bingeing on a TV series. Long-haul flights are your chance to catch up on those movies you’ve wanted to see or start watching a new series that you normally wouldn’t have time for. Most airlines have plenty of in-flight entertainment options with current movies and popular shows. If you’re searching for things to do while on an aeroplane, bring your own tablet preloaded with movies or shows in case what the airline provides isn’t to your taste.

2. Read a Book or Interesting Articles

Reading is another great way to spend your time on a flight. If you enjoy a good novel, a captivating biography, or informative articles on topics that interest you, reading is a great way to lose yourself and watch the hours fly by. An e-reader or tablet is also a good choice, as you can carry several books or articles without the extra weight. A decent book might be your greatest company.

3. Listen to a Podcast or Audiobook

Listening to a podcast or audiobook is among the most engaging airplane activities but does take some effort. True crime, history, comedy, self-improvement — there’s a podcast out there for everyone. Audiobooks have also become a favourite if you want to get lost in a story without focusing on a screen. Download a couple of episodes or books before your flight, so you have plenty of content to keep you entertained. This is especially handy when looking for things to do on a plane without WiFi.

4. Quality Sleep or Meditation

Getting some quality shuteye or meditating can be key to surviving a long-haul flight. Investing in a good travel pillow, eye mask, and noise-cancelling headphones can provide a world of comfort — and help you figure out how to get comfortable on a long flight. If sleep doesn’t come easily, guided meditation apps can help you relax and unwind. These strategies may help you feel more rested and ready to explore your destination when you arrive.

5. Play Cards or Travel Mini-Games with Your Neighbor

A flight is a great time to play cards or travel-sized mini-games with your seatmate to pass the time and even make new friends. Whether you have a classic card game like Go Fish or a portable board game, they’re not only easy to play but can also help break the monotony and create interesting conversations. Just don’t forget to bring a compact set of games that takes up very little space (i.e. in-flight entertainment).

6. Plan a Travel Route or Keep a Journal About Your Trip

You can use the time on long flights to prepare your travel itinerary or write a few lines about your journey in a journal! Use this time to plan your route, list must-see attractions, or write about your thoughts and experiences. Another highly productive activity to engage in whilst in the air, journal-keeping is a fantastic way to record your travels and unwind whilst creating something meaningful. If you’re wondering what to do on a plane to stay productive, you can plan your trip or journal — both will make the flight feel shorter and more meaningful.

7. Walk Around the Cabin to Stretch Your Legs

On a long flight, one of the most crucial things is to get up and stretch at intervals. Staying in a sedentary position for too long may contribute to stiffness, discomfort and potentially more serious health-related conditions like blood clots. Get up and walk around the cabin and stretch legs every few hours. This simple exercise encourages circulation, can reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis and will help you feel more revitalized when you arrive. It’s one of the basic yet best travel tips for long flights.

8. Play Video Games on Your Tablet or Phone

For those who enjoy a bit of fun, playing video games on your tablet or smart device can be one of the most enjoyable aeroplane activities. If you prefer something more casual, download a game in advance so you have something to do in case there isn’t anything good available on longer flights. Just make sure you have your headphones and a portable charger so you can continue playing without bothering anyone and without your battery running out. It’s also a great option when searching for things to do on a flight where no internet connection is required.

9. Shop Online or Browse the Web

With most airlines these days offering in-flight WiFi, online shopping or web browsing can be a useful way to pass the time. Whether you’re catching up on the latest sales, ordering something you’ve been eyeing, or just browsing casually, this is one of the more laid-back activities. You can use that time to read the news, check social media, or hop between websites. However, keep in mind that in-flight WiFi may not always have the best connection or speed, so patience is key when partaking in these activities outside the comfort of your favourite room at home.

10. Catch Up on Work or Start a New Project

Long-haul flights present a great chance to be productive. If you need to catch up on work or get started on a new project, this uninterrupted time can be immensely valuable. You’ll notice that this can be one of the best travel hacks for long flights, whether you’re responding to emails, writing a report, or brainstorming ideas for a new project. Just make sure to charge your laptop or tablet before you board and download any files you’ll need in case you don’t have access to WiFi. Utilising this time effectively can make the entire journey feel more worthwhile.

11. Learn a Language or Take an Online Course

A long flight is a perfect time to learn a new skill. Whether you want to learn a new language or take an online course, this time can be used productively. Many apps let you download lessons ahead of time so you can study offline. This is one of the more edifying things you can do on an aeroplane and can transform your flight hours into a meaningful learning experience. Plus, knowing a few phrases in the language of your destination will improve your travel experience.

12. Enjoy Music or Create New Playlists

Listening to your favourite music or creating new playlists is a relaxing way to pass the time on a long flight. Music can help you unwind, reduce stress, and even help you fall asleep. Simply put on some noise-cancelling headphones and enjoy your favourite tunes. Additionally, creating new playlists can be a fun way to organise your music for different moods or activities, making this one of the more creative aeroplane activities to enjoy while flying.

13. Try a Creative Hobby, Such as Drawing, Coloring, or Knitting

Engaging in a creative hobby is a fantastic way to pass the time and stay calm during a long flight. Whether you enjoy drawing, colouring, or knitting, these activities can be both relaxing and productive. Packing a small sketchbook, coloured pencils, or a knitting project in your carry-on ensures you have something to focus on. These aeroplane activities are particularly good for reducing stress and can make the flight feel much shorter. If you’re looking for things to do on a long flight that allow you to express your creativity, this is a perfect choice.

14. Get Away From Your Daily Routine With a Facial or Skin Treatment

A long flight can suck the moisture out of your skin, leaving it dry and tired. To combat this, pack some travel-size skincare products to indulge with en route. A hydrating facial mist, sheet mask or moisturizing cream can help your skin feel fresh and moist. Not only will these long-flight travel tips help make you more comfortable, but you’ll also feel refreshed and ready to take on the world when you disembark. If you’re going to be rushing about after a long trip, adding just a little self-care can great help you to remain relaxed and help you to feel your best.

15. Play Quizzes or Puzzles

Quizzes and puzzles are challenging and fun things to work on while passing the time. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and trivia quizzes are great activities to help you beat boredom on a long flight! A number of airlines incorporate interactive games into their in-flight entertainment systems, or you can pack a puzzle book or download a quiz app onto your phone.

16. Live Sports and Entertainment Shows on the Plane

Live TV, such as sports and entertainment shows, is also available on many long-haul flights as part of the in-flight entertainment system. For staying updated with live events, whether it is a big game or your favourite TV shows while in flight, this is an excellent option. Live sports are particularly thrilling, delivering a feeling of real-time excitement while you’re midair. If you are seeking entertainment that delivers excitement and variety, then live broadcasts are a good place to look.

17. Have a Drink or Two, Enjoy a Snack, and Relax

Lastly, one of the easiest and most pleasurable activities on an aeroplane—have a drink! Whether it’s wine, cocktails, or a non-alcoholic beverage, having a drink can help you relax and make the flight more enjoyable. Pair it with a light snack or meal to stay satisfied throughout the journey. Just be sure to stay hydrated and consume alcohol in moderation, as it can have a stronger effect at high elevation. This low-key activity is the perfect end to your to-do list on a long-haul flight and will have you touching down at your destination relaxed and refreshed.

Read also: What Is Allowed in a Carry-on Bag

Quick Checklist: Essentials for a Comfortable Flight

✅ Noise-canceling headphones
✅ Neck pillow & eye mask
✅ Hydrating facial mist
✅ Offline entertainment (books, movies, podcasts)
✅ Compression socks

Conclusion

Long-haul flights need not be an arduous chore. However, with the proper mindset, your travels can ultimately be more comfortable or even fun. Whether it’s watching movies and reading books or engaging in creative hobbies and planning your next adventure, there is plenty to keep you occupied.

So whether you are looking for aeroplane activities to keep you entertained, in-flight ways to remain productive, or travel tips for long-haul flights, this list offers a broad spectrum of options for whatever type of traveller you are. When you plan ahead with these travel tips in mind, you’ll know just how to pass those hours in the air.

What to Do on a Long Flight? 17 Tips for Making Flight Comfortable