Long-haul flights can be exciting when you’re heading off on holiday, but spending eight, ten or even fifteen hours in the air isn’t always easy. While airlines continue to improve their in-flight entertainment systems, many travellers prefer downloading their own content or planning ahead with digital entertainment that suits their interests.
Whether you’re flying to New York, Tokyo or Auckland, here are some of the best ways to keep yourself entertained from take-off to landing.
Download Your Favourite TV Shows and Films
One of the easiest ways to pass the time is by downloading films and television series before you travel. Most major streaming services now allow offline viewing, meaning you won’t need an internet connection once you’re in the air.
Mix up your downloads with a combination of movies, documentaries and shorter episodes so you have plenty of variety throughout the flight. Noise-cancelling headphones can also make a huge difference, helping you enjoy your content even on busy flights.
Read Books and Magazines Offline
An e-reader or tablet loaded with books is perfect for long journeys. Whether you enjoy thrillers, biographies or travel guides for your destination, reading remains one of the most relaxing ways to spend time on a plane.
Many digital magazine subscriptions also allow you to download issues in advance, giving you access to everything from business publications to fashion and lifestyle titles without adding extra weight to your luggage.
Listen to Podcasts and Audiobooks
Podcasts have become one of the fastest-growing forms of entertainment, and they’re ideal for flights. From true crime and comedy to business and travel inspiration, there’s something for every mood.
Audiobooks are another excellent option, particularly for overnight flights when you’re looking for something engaging without staring at a screen.
Mobile Games Without Wi-Fi
Not every game requires an internet connection. Puzzle games, strategy titles and word games can easily occupy several hours and help break up longer journeys.
Many travellers also enjoy digital card games or offline adventure games that can be played entirely without Wi-Fi or mobile data.
Explore Online Gaming Before You Fly
For those who enjoy online gaming, preparing before departure can help avoid disappointment once you’re offline. Some travellers like to compare available welcome offers and to see more bonus offers before choosing a platform, particularly if they’re planning to play during airport layovers or after arriving at their destination. Looking at available promotions ahead of time allows you to understand bonus terms and make a more informed decision before you travel.
As with any form of entertainment, it’s important to play responsibly and understand the terms associated with any offers.
Learn Something New
Flights offer uninterrupted time that many people rarely get at home. Download a language-learning app, save educational videos or work through an online course offline.
If you’re travelling abroad, spending a few hours learning useful local phrases can make your holiday even more enjoyable once you land.
Organise Your Travel Plans
Entertainment doesn’t always have to mean watching a screen. A long flight is the perfect opportunity to organise restaurant bookings, map out sightseeing plans, save locations in Google Maps and build a realistic itinerary for your trip.
Having everything planned before landing means you can spend less time looking at your phone and more time enjoying your destination.
Make Your Journey Part of the Holiday
With a little preparation, even the longest flights can become an enjoyable part of your travel experience. By downloading entertainment in advance, mixing different activities throughout the journey and giving yourself plenty of variety, you’ll arrive feeling far more refreshed than if you’d simply stared at the seat in front of you for ten hours.
Whether you prefer films, books, podcasts or gaming, having a selection of entertainment ready before take-off is one of the easiest ways to make any long-haul journey fly by.
