The Ultimate Guide Of 25 Things To Do On A Long Flight

Long flights are a necessary part of the travel experience for frequent flyers, business travelers, and family tourists. While they can often seem daunting, with a bit of preparation and the right mindset, you can turn those hours in the air into a productive and even enjoyable adventure. Whether you’re crossing continents or oceans, this guide will equip you with everything you need to transform your flight into an opportunity for rest, productivity, and enjoyment. Long flights don’t have to be mentally and physically draining. With the ultimate guide of things to do on a long flight, you will not only learn to manage your flight better but also learn to love it.

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In my twenties, I flew to Milan from Miami; I believe this flight was about ten hours. I was solo traveling as an American on board an Italian airline. My seatmates were an Italian-speaking couple. All of the announcements were, you guessed it, in Italian, and I don’t speak Italian at all.  I took an Ambien (prescription sleep aid) and slept in that tiny seat for eight out of the ten hours of that flight.  I woke up in time to use the restroom and drink a cup of coffee.  And then we landed.

That was solo travel, and that was before family happened.

Fast forward to the present. I have a husband and two kids in tow—a completely different person than that twenty-something, I’m-flying-to-Milan-alone-see-you-later-girl. Nowadays, I plan to manage that long-haul flight that does not involve sedating myself for most of the flight (although that was nice).

The ultimate guide of 25 things to do on a long flight starts during the planning stage.

Learning to love a long flight takes planning and training, kinda like completing your first 5K. You would not walk up to the starting line of a 5K without preparation, am I right? So, start before you get there.

Getting Ready Before Takeoff

Preparation is key to surviving a long flight. Start by choosing the right seat. If you like to stretch or frequently visit the restroom, opting for an aisle seat could make your flight more comfortable. For restful sleep, window seats can offer support and fewer disturbances. Don’t overlook the option to book seats with extra legroom, as they can significantly enhance your comfort during a lengthy flight.

Another crucial step is packing essentials. Bring a carry-on filled with things that cater to your comfort and enjoyment. Noise-canceling headphones, eye masks, neck pillows, and snacks can make a world of difference. Lastly, ensure you have downloaded your favorite movies, shows, or books onto your devices; in-flight Wi-Fi can be unreliable and costly.

Before you board, consider downloading apps that can help make your flight more enjoyable. Language learning apps, meditation guides, puzzles, and games can help pass the time effectively. With everything ready, you’ll board your flight feeling prepared and relaxed.

1. Consider your flight wisely, including flight times and seating choices.
2. Smartly assemble your carry-on bag. Here is a printable carry-on bag checklist.
3. Consider signing up for TSA Precheck ($85 for five years). This will allow you to speed through security without removing your shoes, laptop, liquids, belts, and light jackets.
4. Don’t tie one on the night before and start your vacation with a hangover.
5. Get a good night’s sleep.
6. Plan a stylish but comfortable outfit. Athleta is my go-to for flight style and comfort.
7. Fully charge EVERYTHING.
8. Eat a healthy meal and hydrate.
9. If you have time in the morning, go for a walk, jog, or hit the gym.
10. For those of you with airport anxiety, read this!
11. Download recommended Podcasts.

25 Things to Do On a Long Flight

Travel day is exciting, exhilarating, and exhausting at the same time. There was a time when it was just that—travel day. Nowadays, it is a day of relaxing, learning, hanging out with my family, and planning our vacation.

So, your bags are checked.  You board the plane and tuck your carry-on.  Gather your in-flight entertainment.  Cozy the kids and husband.  The door to the plane closes in preparation for take-off.  As you are taxiing to the runway, what are you thinking?

• Are we there yet? 
• Which one is gonna puke? (we all get motion sickness)
• What will I do the next eight hours of my life captive on this airplane?
• I hope the kids don’t scream.
• Now what?

1)  Staying Comfortable in the Sky

Comfort is paramount when spending hours in an airplane seat. Dress in layers, as cabin temperatures can fluctuate unexpectedly. Loose, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable, and a cozy jacket or sweater can double as a blanket during the flight. If everyone is relaxed and warm with a pillow, blanket, comfy socks, and entertainment, there will be much less complaining. 

Many people in flight use compression socks not only for comfort but also to protect themselves from swelling and Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).  

If you want to catch some shut-eye, create a sleep-friendly environment. Recline your seat (without disturbing the person behind you), use a neck pillow, and cover your eyes with a sleep mask. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can drown out any background noise, allowing you to drift off peacefully.

2)  Have all of your in-flight entertainment ready.

• Kindle Paperwhite is my husband’s favorite. 
• Audible is great for audiobooks, but I prefer an old-fashioned book to hold in my hand. 
• Smartphone for notes if you want to write a blog post or a list of ideas.
• Grab a city guide and a map at the bookstore or on Amazon.
• Pass the time away while planning your itinerary.
• Involve the kids in planning your itinerary since they are now a captive audience.
• Prep your Podcast playlist before boarding.
• Upload your favorite TV or Netflix series and binge-watch.

3) Upload a LONG movie.

A long flight is perfect for those epic movies you’ve been meaning to watch. With a wide selection available, you’ll have no shortage of options. Here are a few ideas:

• Lord of the Rings Trilogy
• Braveheart
• Amadeus
• Hoop Dreams
• Oppenheimer
• Avengers: Endgame
• Titanic
• Malcolm X
• The Godfather (any of them, or all of them)
• The Batman

4) Find a few favorite brain games that don’t require Wi-Fi.

My go-to’s are Word Stacks and Cross Math.

5)  Purchase today’s newspaper.

Or grab a magazine or even a crossword or word find booklet.

6)  Pack an adult coloring book and some colored pencils.

A fellow blogger recommended a new one for me to relax and pass the time. In the search bar on Amazon.com, type in “adult coloring book for Arizona” or wherever you are traveling to. It is amazing. And it is true: It is very relaxing and peaceful (especially while wearing those noise-canceling headphones).

7)  Prepare the kid’s entertainment.

They can fill their iPads with games, puzzles, movies, and books that can be used without WiFi. While flights often have movies, many do not. I have been on an airline that has an app that you can upload, full of in-flight entertainment.

Pack a carry-on bag with their favorite toys, books, and snacks. Small activities like coloring books or portable games can entertain them for hours.

8) Consider the kid’s seating arrangement when booking.

Consider the seating arrangements ahead of time to ensure everyone is comfortable. Some airlines offer family seating or child-friendly amenities, so inquire about these options when booking your flight.

9) Consider your kid’s typical routine as well.

Don’t forget your kids’ routine. Try to maintain their regular sleep schedule and meal times to help them more smoothly adjust to the flight’s duration and eventual time change.

10) Destination deep dive.

Your in-flight time is perfect for getting familiar with your destination. Dive into the culture by learning a few basic phrases in the local language. Language learning apps can be a fun and interactive way to practice. Reading about local customs and etiquette can also enhance your travel experience and help you feel more connected to the place you’re visiting.

Research the highlights of your destination, such as top landmarks, hidden gems, or cultural events during your stay. Write down a list of places you want to visit and make reservations if necessary.

Involve the kids in your research, too.

11)  Grab a drink and relax.

For many years, I could not enjoy an adult beverage and relax on a flight.   Times have changed.  These fun little Cocktail Kits from Amazon Prime have been a game-changer.  Pack a couple and enjoy a Champagne Cocktail, Old Fashioned, Moscow Mule, or Margarita.  Not three or four, as alcohol can contribute to dehydration.  Just one, maybe two, and chill for a while.

12)  Snacktime.

Let’s face it—airline food isn’t the best, and lately, there has been a cost, so pack light and healthy snacks to keep hunger at bay. Make sure your snacks will pass through TSA. Be aware that many people have food allergies, particularly nut allergies. These can be severe enough to trigger a reaction, even with inhalation. Please try to avoid this type of snack.

13)  Hydrate.

Bring an empty water bottle from home and fill it up after the TSA interrogates you. There are stations now at most airports that allow you to fill your bottle with filtered water. The tap water on board is not drinkable, but your flight attendant will often bring bottled water as well.

14) Combat Jetlag Proactively.

Combatting jet lag starts while you’re still in the air. Adjust your watch to the destination’s time zone and try to eat and sleep according to that schedule. This can ease the transition and reduce the impact of time change once you land.

15) Thoughtful things to do.

• What are you grateful for? Jot it down. Gratitude is a beautiful thing.
• Goal setting: Write down five goals for your travels. Or your life.
• Work on your travel journal. Find inspiration here.
• Write a travel poem, a letter to your mom, or a letter to your future self.

Thoughtful things to do on your flight back home.

• Journal about five favorites and five not-so-favorites of your travels.
• Purchase postcards from your travels and fill them out on the flight back. I know it’s old-fashioned, but people still love to get personal snail mail.
• Write a “best things to do” blog post.
• Edit your photos.
• Plan your next adventure.

16)  Things to do to pass the time if you’re bored.

• Go through your smartphone photos; edit, create albums, and delete unnecessary photos.
• Clean up your apps and your contact list.
• Get out those wipes and clean your phone.
• Write down what you do to survive a long-haul flight and share it with me.

17) Purchase noise-cancelling headphones. They are a game changer.

Noise-canceling headphones are a traveler’s best friend. They effortlessly drown out the drone of airplane engines and chatty seatmates, allowing you to escape into an enthralling podcast or your go-to playlist. No headphones? No problem! A trusty pair of earplugs can also work wonders.

18)  Take a nap.

Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones (the teenager calls them “family-canceling headphones”) for a nice, comfortable, quiet nap.

19)  Use a sleep aid if you wish.

I do not do this nowadays because I have the husband and kids in tow.  I have, however, taken a sleep aid on a flight in the past, and it was awesome! Talk to your doctor about a prescription if you think a sleep aid would be helpful.

20) Meditate.

Taking a long-haul flight can sometimes feel like a test of endurance, but meditation offers a peaceful escape right in your seat. Meditating during your flight can reduce anxiety, improve mental well-being, and even help reset your body’s internal clock to combat jet lag. For those new to meditation or seeking guidance, apps like Calm, Headspace, and Insight Timer provide handy instructions and soothing sessions.

21)  Use chapstick and moisturizer in flight.

Those cabins are dehydrating for your skin, too.

22) A little spa treatment, why not?

A quick spa treatment with a face mask and under-eye strips. Pamper yourself without going to the spa.

23)  Keep it clean.

Pack hand sanitizer and/or antibacterial wipes. And use them!

24) Learn local language basics for your destination.

25)  Stretch and mobilize.

Move around every couple of hours. Simple in-seat exercises and short walks along the aisle can improve circulation and prevent stiffness. Keeping your body active can also help alleviate the discomfort of sitting for extended periods.

Do not sit through the entire flight without mobilizing. This goes for any long-haul travel by airplane, train, or car. Immobilization for long periods of time, such as long-haul travel, can put you at risk for developing a Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).

How to avoid venous thrombotic events (DVT/PE) related to long travel.

~As a Hematology Nurse Practitioner for many years, I have seen patients who have developed a Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) after a long haul flight (a flight four hours or more). Although the risk is quite small, this can happen to even the fittest traveler.

~There are confounding risk factors including obesity, tobacco abuse, having a cast or recent orthopedic surgery, oral contraceptives, pregnancy, personal or family history of DVT or other thrombotic related events.  There are some genetic mutations, often unknown, that can predispose a person to develop a DVT.

~DVT’s are not a common occurrence, but it does warrant travel precautions. I always recommend to patients to drink plenty of water in flight. This assures that you have to get up several times to use the restroom thus increasing mobility in flight. Use this time to stretch your legs and remain out of that seat for a bit. Compression socks are good for prevention and comfort as well.

~For a healthy individual with none of the risk factors that I have listed above, simply staying hydrated and walking around the flight a few times should be enough for prevention. However, if you have any of the above risk factors, speak to your physician about further recommendations.

~OK, I am done with my nurse talk. However, if you wish to review the guidelines for the prevention of DVT in long-distance travel from the American Society of Hematology, this recent article will help.

What To Pack for the Long Flight to Keep Everyone Comfortable, Entertained, and Happy.

You need items for personal hygiene, entertainment, comfort, and sometimes a drink. As you know, according to TSA guidelines, many things cannot be carried on. These rules are forever changing.

*Here is a link to the TSA rules for what you cannot carry on an airplane with you. *

Travel necessities for your carry on bag for the long flight.

You won’t be going anywhere if you leave these items behind. 

• Travel Documents/Passport
• Wallet
• Credit Card
• Cash
• Phone
• Pen (You will be happy you brought a pen when that immigration and customs form is passed around).

Check, double-check, and then check again.

Entertainment.

Entertainment needs differ from person to person.  Maybe there will be a movie that you have always wanted to see on your flight.  However, plan accordingly with other types of entertainment.

• Laptop or I pad (Upload a Movie or TV Series to Binge-Watch).
• Playlist of Music Podcasts On Your Smartphone.
• Earbuds/AirPods/Headphones.
• Book, Audible, or Kindle (or all three).
• Magazine.
• Don’t Forget Your Phone Charger.
• Adult Coloring Book/Colored Pencils.
• Travel Journal.

Toiletries.

• Toothbrush/Toothpaste.
• Hair Brush/Hair Ties.
• Chapstick.
• Eye Drops.
• Hand Sanitizer.
• Disinfectant wipes.
• Deodorant.
• Moisturizer.
• Pharmacy (DIY Travel First Aid Kit).

Snacks.

• Water Bottle.
• Healthy Travel Snacks (protein bars, pretzels, popcorn, nuts if no allergies).
• Gum/Mints.

Comfort.

Physical and mental comfort during a long haul flight is my number one priority (behind safety, of course).

• Noise Cancelling Headphones.
• Blanket Scarf.
• Socks.
• Change of clothes.
• Other items that I have seen people use for comfort include a neck pillow, eye mask, and compression socks.
• I may bring a shot of Rum or order Champagne!
• And a Sheet Facial Mask with Cucumber Under Eye Mask for a Quick Spa Day.

🛩Long Haul Flight Survival Checklist Printable…Click Here.🛩

Things NOT to do on a long flight.

• Drink too much. Never good.
• Drink the water from the faucets. It is non-potable; this goes for ice, coffee, and tea.
• Wear contact lenses, too drying unless you pack rewetting eye drops.
• Stay in your seat the entire flight; this will increase your risk of DVT.
• Walk around barefoot. That’s yuk!
• Become HANGRY. Keep grazing on your healthy snacks.

Wrapping Up Your Journey

With these tips, your long flight can become one of the most productive and enjoyable parts of your travel experience. Not only will you arrive at your destination feeling rested and ready to explore, but you’ll also have made the most of the hours spent in the air.

We’d love to hear your travel tips and experiences. Fly smart, travel well, and enjoy every moment of your next adventure.

What other tried and true tricks or hacks do you have that make you love travel day?