It can be hard enough just to step onto a plane when you’re feeling anxious or have a fear of flying—I totally understand! The thought of being confined for hours, especially on a long-haul flight, can feel overwhelming. Trust me, I’ve been there. But with a little preparation, you can find ways to keep your mind occupied and make the journey more manageable (and maybe even enjoyable!).
When I travel, long flights are often part of the deal. Some destinations require 20+ hours of travel time (with my longest trip being a whopping 42 hours!). For someone with travel anxiety, that can sound like a nightmare. But I’ve found that one of the keys to getting through it is keeping your mind busy.
It really helps to plan your in-flight time like you would a typical travel itinerary. For example, here’s a glimpse of what my in-flight itinerary might look like:
- 10:00 AM: Play a fun game on my phone.
- 10:30 AM: Clean up my phone photos.
- 11:30 AM: Mealtime (even if airplane food isn’t your favorite, it’s a nice break!).
- 12:15 PM: Watch a light-hearted movie or show.
- 2:30 PM: Read an article about my destination to remind myself of the exciting adventure ahead.
- 3:00 PM: Journal my thoughts or start a creative project.
- 4:30 PM: Work on a crossword puzzle or Sudoku to keep my mind busy.
- Etc…
The trick is to have a mix of things to do ready. This way, if one thing isn’t helping, you can switch to something else. Here are a few more ideas to help you stay calm and entertained.
If you’re looking for some products to ease your mind, check out this: 16 Cozy Must-Haves for Nervous Flyers to Stay Calm
Ways to Distract Yourself on a Plane
1. Clean Up Your Phone
With just a little effort, you can declutter your digital life and free up some much-needed memory. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Delete Unused Apps: Get rid of those apps you haven’t touched in ages.
- Organize Your Apps: Create folders for different categories like photography, social media, travel, or health, and neatly group similar apps together.
- Sort Through Photos/Videos: Take a trip down memory lane and delete the blurry shots, duplicates, and those cringey selfies you’d rather forget.
- Update Your Contacts: It’s time to say goodbye to those outdated or forgotten contacts and keep only the ones you really need.
- Clean Your Phone Case: Remove the case and give both it and your phone a good cleaning. Ask for extra sanitizing wipes when boarding!
2. Binge Watch a TV Series
Been meaning to dive into the first season of Game of Thrones or Downton Abbey? A long flight is the perfect opportunity! Download a few seasons of something new or revisit an old favorite before your flight. Need some inspiration? Check out our Best TV Series to Watch list for ideas.
Just don’t forget your headphones—your fellow passengers will thank you!
3. Tidy Up Your Under-Seat Carry-On
By the end of a trip, my carry-on usually looks like a disaster zone—filled with shopping receipts, boarding passes, foreign coins, and half-eaten bags of peanuts. Sound familiar? The flight home is the perfect time to tackle the chaos.
Take a few minutes to sort through your bag, tossing the trash and organizing the keepers. Gather up loose papers, tidy up your tech, and give everything a proper place.
4. Play Phone Games
When the in-flight movie selection isn’t hitting the mark, take control of your entertainment—literally. With countless mobile games at your fingertips, your flight can become the ultimate digital escape. Whether you’re navigating mazes, battling virtual dragons, or building an empire, there’s no shortage of fun to be had at 30,000 feet.
Just make sure to download your favorite games before takeoff while you still have Wi-Fi or cell service. And if you’re on a roll, make sure to bring a backup charger in case the plane doesn’t have outlets!
5. Catch Up on the News or Magazines
Just because you’re in-flight doesn’t mean you have to miss out on your favorite news sites or blogs. There are plenty of ways to stay connected to the latest headlines, even when you’re offline. If you’re using Safari or Chrome on your iPhone, you can open an article and add it to your offline reading list with just a few taps.
Another handy trick? Before boarding, open several tabs in your browser with articles you want to read. While you won’t be able to click on any links, you can still read everything on each tab’s page. I use this method all the time, especially when I’m in the middle of writing an article—it’s a lifesaver!
6. Answer Emails Offline
Did you know you can answer emails even when you’re offline? It may seem counterintuitive to disconnect, but it’s actually the perfect time to tackle your inbox and regain control over your work-life balance. Many email apps let you draft responses while offline, and once you’re connected to Wi-Fi, you can send everything in one go. It’s a great way to stay productive without being constantly connected!
7. Listen to or Read a Book
A long flight is the perfect time to get lost in a good read. You can easily bring a physical book, but my favorite thing to do is check an ebook or audiobook out of the library (which many libraries allow using the Libby app). They can be downloaded for use without Wi-Fi, and It’s totally free!
8. Enjoy the Inflight Entertainment
Most airlines offer a variety of inflight entertainment, so why not take full advantage of it and enjoy some guilt-free screen time? Whether you’re in the mood for a classic movie, a newly released song, or a fun game, there’s plenty to choose from. Feeling adventurous? Try exploring a new genre or even a foreign language film—you might just discover something new that you love!
*Don’t forget to bring a pair of headphones, they are not always available on the plane. I always bring my Apple Airpods and my Thinksound earbuds.
9. Check Something Off Your Bucket List
Why not use your long-haul flight to cross something off your bucket list? It could be learning a few phrases in the local language of your destination or diving into a new hobby you’ve always wanted to try. Here are a few other fun ideas to consider:
- Write a Haiku (Need a guide? Check out How to Write a Haiku)
- Complete a Crossword Puzzle
- Pen a Handwritten Letter to Someone
- Start a Gratitude Journal (Looking for inspiration? See 100 Things to Be Thankful For Today)
- Create an Origami Crane (Here are some Origami Instructions for the Beginner)
- Write a Letter to Your Future Self
For even more inspiration, take a peek at my bucket list!
10. Catch Up on Movies
Indulge in a cinematic feast by watching all the latest releases that you’ve been meaning to see or rewatching an old favorite. Download your must-watch movies or explore the in-flight selection. It’s the perfect way to escape the monotony of air travel and arrive at your destination up-to-date on the best movie releases.
11. Get Some Work Done
If you need to catch up on work, a long flight can be the perfect productivity haven. The uninterrupted hours in the air can become a focused work session, leaving you well-prepared and stress-free upon arrival. Some of my best work gets done at 30,000 feet!
12. Play Cards
Who says a deck of cards is outdated? Pull out a deck and challenge your seatmate or travel companions to a game. Whether it’s a competitive round of poker or a relaxed game of Go Fish or Uno, time will fly as you enjoy some classic card game fun. Looking for more ideas? Check out our card game bucket list for inspiration!
13. Bring Mini Travel Games For Fun
Mini travel games may be small in size, but they are big in fun! Whether it’s the strategic challenge of chess, checkers, or backgammon, or the timeless appeal of dominoes, these compact games turn travel time into playtime. Bonus tip: Amazon has a whole section dedicated to travel-sized games!
14. Do Some Coloring
Coloring isn’t just for kids! Whether you’re filling in intricate mandalas or playful doodles, coloring offers a calming and creative way to pass the time.
15. Listen To Music
Some good tines and a set of good headphones has the power to transform your in-flight experience, especially if your an anxious flyer.
16. Listen To a Podcast
If you’re a fan of storytelling, learning, or entertainment, podcasts are your best friend on a long trip. From gripping true crime to hilarious comedy or insightful self-help, there’s a podcast for every interest—just download a few episodes before your flight
Here are a few that are always on my playlist: The Genius Life, The Mel Robbins Podcast and The Doctor’s Farmacy.
17. Practice Learning a Language
Turn your flight into a mini language boot camp by firing up apps like Duolingo or bringing along a trusty phrasebook. With each new phrase you nail, you’re not just picking up words—you’re unlocking doors to new cultures, friendships, and adventures.
18. Do a Crossword or Word Search
Doing a crossword or word search puzzle is an excellent way to challenge yourself and keep your mind sharp during a long flight. It’s a bonus that most in-flight magazines have a free one for you!
19. Catch Up On Sleep
Sleeping in the sky isn’t just a way to kill time; it’s a strategic move. Resting during your flight ensures you arrive at your destination fresh, alert, and ready to tackle your adventures.
20. Surf The Internet
Bored of staring at the same clouds for hours on end? Trade those fluffy clouds for the endless scroll, whether it’s getting some work done, answering emails, or even scrolling through social media. It’s also worth noting that WiFi is typically only available when flying over the US, so make the most of your online time during those stretches of your journey.
21. Do Some Exercises
Sitting in the same position for hours on end can be a real pain in the… well, you know. So, to avoid turning into a contorted mess, it’s important to get up and move around every now and then. Incorporate a few stretches, leg lifts, or even just short walks to promote circulation.
22. Write a Journal
A blank notebook is your canvas for creativity. Whether it’s jotting down your travel experiences, drafting poetry, or simply recording your thoughts, writing during your flight is like capturing moments in a literary time capsule.
23. Organize Your Trip
Review your travel itinerary and double check the packing lists (just in case you forgot something and need to run by the store when you land!).
24. Meditate
When you’re mid-air, you’ve got the ideal opportunity to reach for inner peace: meditation. Even in a cabin where elbow room is a luxury, you can still find your mental space. If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of guided meditation apps, like Calm, available to help you get started.
25. Chat To Your Seat Neighbor
Your seat neighbor might be more than just a fellow passenger; they could be your next best friend, tour guide or travel partner.. Engage in some mid-air mingling, swap travel tales, or simply bond over the shared frustration of reclining seats.
Ready to Start living your bucket? Use my Favorite Resources:
Finding Ideas
Of course this bucket list blog and my bucket list are great resources, but you can also use my free printable 2,000 bucket list ideas.
Naming Your List
Some people don’t love the term “bucket list”. But, what is most important is that you have a list, not what you call it, so here are 25 other names for a bucket list.
Storing Your List
I’ve created the perfect Google Sheets Bucket List Tracker Spreadsheet, that helps you store your list, plus keep track of all those checkmarks you’ll be making on it!
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Oh my goodness! an excellent article dude. Many thanks However I am experiencing trouble with ur rss . Do not know why Not able to enroll in it. Will there be any person obtaining identical rss dilemma? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx
Long flights can be very boring and tiring indeed!
Thank you for the list of fun things to do, it will definitely be very useful for my future flights now!