Things To Do On A Long Flight: How To Stay Sane And Entertained

Share this post!

a photo of dozens of empty seats on a plane before a flight and the text "things to do on long flights"

Finding things to do on a long flight can make the difference between a miserable travel day and an enjoyable one. After taking multiple flights of 15 hours or more in economy, I’ve learned that the right preparation can make the hours pass much faster.

Whether you want to stay entertained, get some sleep, be productive, or simply avoid boredom, there are plenty of ways to pass the time at 35,000 feet.

In this guide, you’ll find the best things to do on a long flight, along with tips for staying comfortable, healthy, and well-rested throughout your journey.

Last updated: June 2, 2026

Published: February 27. 2024

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you click the link or make a purchase through the link. This is at no extra cost to you. This compensation may impact how and where links are placed on this site.

Things to Do on a Long Flight

Long flights don’t have to be boring. Whether you want to stay entertained, be productive, or get some rest, having a few activities planned can make the time pass much faster. Here are some of my favorite things to do on a long flight:

  • Watch movies or TV shows you’ve been meaning to start.
  • Read a book or listen to an audiobook to help pass a few hours.
  • Download podcasts and catch up on your favorite episodes.
  • Play games on your phone, tablet, handheld gaming system, or a puzzle book.
  • Journal about your trip or write down memories from your travels.
  • Plan the rest of your itinerary, including restaurants, attractions, and transportation.
  • Learn something new through language lessons, educational podcasts, or downloaded courses.
  • Organize and edit photos on your phone or laptop.
  • Catch up on work that can be done offline.
  • Get some sleep, especially if you’re taking an overnight flight or changing time zones.

Personally, I usually rotate between watching movies, listening to podcasts, reading, and sleeping. Having several options ready before takeoff helps prevent boredom and makes the flight feel much shorter.

Preparing Your Entertainment

Selfie of me in the bathroom as I travel with my backpack stuffed with things to do during the flight.

Staying entertained is one of the best ways to make a long flight feel shorter. Before your flight, think about what activities you actually enjoy and make sure everything is downloaded and ready to go before boarding.

Here are a few things I always recommend:

On many long-haul flights, you’ll also have access to in-flight entertainment through a seatback screen. However, I never recommend relying on it completely. Screens can be broken, systems can go down, and some flights have better entertainment options than others.

Having your own movies, books, podcasts, and games ready to go ensures you’ll have plenty to do no matter what happens.

How To Stay Comfortable On A Long Flight

If you’re going to be spending hours on a plane, staying comfortable should be a priority. Here are some of my favorite ways to make a long flight more enjoyable.

Me holding my passport in the airport.
  • Use a travel pillow to support your neck and make sleeping easier.
  • Pack noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block out engine noise and nearby conversations.
  • Wear comfortable clothing with layers so you can adjust to changing cabin temperatures.
  • Bring an eye mask if you plan to sleep during the flight.
  • Pack lip balm and moisturizer since airplane cabins are notoriously dry.
  • Bring snacks in case the airline meals aren’t enough or don’t fit your schedule.
  • Practice simple breathing exercises or meditation if you’re feeling anxious or restless.

Personally, I never board a long-haul flight without a travel pillow, headphones, and snacks. Those three items alone make the experience much more enjoyable.

Staying Active And Healthy On Long Flights

a photo of me in the airport.

Long flights can take a toll on your body, especially if you’re crossing multiple time zones. Here are a few ways to stay healthy during your flight:

  • Get up and walk around when it’s safe to do so.
  • Stretch your legs, feet, and ankles regularly to improve circulation.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the flight.
  • Limit alcohol and caffeine since they can contribute to dehydration.
  • Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up after passing through security.
  • Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing cabin temperatures.
  • Consider compression socks on especially long flights.

I always try to walk around a few times during long-haul flights and drink more water than I think I need. It helps me feel much better when I land.

Tip: Always go on a flight with a full bottle of water. If you bring a reusable one, you can fill it up after you pass security.

Takeaways From Your In-Flight Toolkit

Me sleeping in the airplane which is always a good activity during a long flight.

Remember these tips to ensure your long-haul travel is enjoyable: have entertainment like movies, music, or books, invest in comfort items like pillows and headphones, stay active, hydrate, and eat healthily. And if you don’t know what to do anymore, make up some captions for your Instagram airplane selfies!

Personalize your flight by choosing things to do that you enjoy, turning a long flight into a chance for entertainment, rest, or productivity.

Enjoy your long flight!

Traveling soon? Here are some resources I use to plan all my trips:

FAQs: Things to do on a long flight

What Should I Do On A Long Flight?

Some of the best things to do on a long flight include watching movies, reading a book, listening to podcasts, playing games, journaling, planning your trip, organizing photos, catching up on work, and sleeping. Download entertainment before boarding so you have plenty of options throughout the flight.

How Do You Pass Time On A Long Flight?

The easiest way to pass time on a long flight is to have multiple activities prepared in advance. Switching between movies, books, podcasts, games, and sleep can help the hours go by much faster than focusing on just one activity.

What Should I Pack For A Long Flight?

Some long flight essentials include noise-canceling headphones, a travel pillow, an eye mask, a reusable water bottle, snacks, chargers, lip balm, moisturizer, and entertainment downloaded for offline use.

Is It Better To Sleep Or Stay Awake On A Long Flight?

It depends on your destination and arrival time. If you’re taking an overnight flight or crossing several time zones, sleeping can help reduce jet lag. If you’ll be arriving during the day, staying awake may help you adjust more quickly to the local schedule.

How Do I Stay Comfortable On A Long Flight?

Wearing comfortable clothing, bringing a travel pillow, using noise-canceling headphones, staying hydrated, and getting up to stretch periodically can make a long flight much more comfortable.

How Much Water Should You Drink On A Long Flight?

There is no exact amount that works for everyone, but it’s important to drink water regularly throughout your flight. Airplane cabins are very dry, which can lead to dehydration and make jet lag feel worse when you arrive.

Looking for more travel tips?

Want to save this post?

Email this post to yourself, so you can come back to it later!

Privacy Policy - Terms and Conditions