Top 13 Things To Do During A Flight To Pass Time!

Last Updated on Nov 21st, 2025 by Neha Sharma, Leave a Comment

Flights can be exciting but they can also be a little dull when you are in the same position seemingly forever. If you are taking a brief domestic flight or a long international flight an important object of the flight is to figure out what to do while you are on board to make it more enjoyable to be flying in the air.

If you are looking for something to do on the airplane or wondering what to do when on the airplane without WiFi, guide to having a little more fun while being on the aeroplane. 

1. Watch Movies or TV Shows

An enjoyable activity while on the airplane, most commonly is the in-flight entertainment. The majority of airlines will offer a great selection of movies, shows & sometimes even live TV. If your flight has no screen you can download your favorite series or movies from Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+ before departure.

Tip – Always carry your own headphones. The free airline ones are not always the best quality!

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2. Read a Book or Listen to an Audiobook

If you enjoy reading, taking a flight is an excellent opportunity to get into that book you have been delaying. No WiFi? No problem! Reading is eventually a perfect thing to do on a plane without WiFi. You can listen to audiobooks or podcasts if you’d rather close your eyes. 

Tip – Download a few audiobooks or podcasts before your flight so you can enjoy them offline.

3. Play Games (With or Without WiFi)

Games are great options for activities you can do on a plane too. Mobile games that do not require internet, like Sudoku, Candy Crush or Solitaire are all games you can play on a flight. If you have WiFi, attempt multiplayers games or quiz apps.

Tip – Download offline games before you board the flight.

4. Journal or Plan Your Trip

Flying provides you a GREAT opportunity to have focused time to think. You can use it productively by starting a travel journal, mapping out your travel itinerary or even writing down your goals. For many travelers writing is one of the best things to do on a plane because it is calming & time passes quickly. 

Tip – Carry a small notebook or use a notes app on your phone.

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5. Listen to Music or Meditation Tracks

When you are questioning what to do on the plane the easiest way to chill out is to put your favorite music on. Before your flight, create a playlist of your favorite songs or have some relaxing tracks you have downloaded for meditation. Music is also one of the best things to do if you are on a 6 hour flight & simply want to relax. 

Tip – Use noise-cancelling headphones for the best experience.

6. Solve Puzzles or Crosswords

If you enjoy keeping your mind busy, puzzles & crosswords are great airplane things to do. You can carry a small puzzle book or download apps like Wordscapes or Sudoku.

Tip – This is also a great thing to do on an airplane for kids, it keeps them entertained & quiet!

7. Chat With Your Travel Buddy (Or Make a New One!)

If you are traveling with family or friends, catch up with them. But if you are traveling solo, sometimes your fellow seat mates can make your flight a little more enjoyable while chatting. Just be sure everyone is in the mood to chat! 

Tip – A short, polite conversation can turn into an interesting exchange of stories.

8. Take a Nap

Sleeping is one of the most underused things to do while on a plane. If you want to sleep on the plane make sure you bring a neck pillow, an eye mask & possibly a light blanket to make yourself comfortable. A quick nap can help you feel fresh & energetic for your trip!

Tip – Avoid too much caffeine before your flight, it will make sleeping harder.

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9. Stretch or Do Simple In-Seat Exercises

During long flights, it is important to get up & move. You can do some gentle leg & neck stretching exercises or walk along the aisle every 2 hours. This can reduce stiffness & allow your blood circulation to remain normal. 

Tip – Set a reminder to stand up every 1-2 hours during long flights.

10. Edit Photos or Organize Your Phone

Flights are a great opportunity to delete photos from your gallery or edit travel images. When traveling, this is one of the easiest options to do on the flight without WiFi. You can also sort out notes & contacts or organize your phone storage. 

Tip – Use editing apps like Snapseed or Lightroom that work offline.

11. Creative Activities (For Kids & Adults)

If you are flying with children, you may be wondering “What should I do on the airplane for kids?” Bringing coloring books, sticker activities or drawing pads would keep them busy for a couple of hours. For adults, doodling, sketching or writing a short story can relax them.

Tip – Always pack some small creative items for your kids, they will love it!

12. Work or Study (If You Have WiFi)

If the plane provides WiFi, take advantage of the experience to do some work/get caught up on an online course or two. Just remember to download everything you need in case the WiFi drops.

Tip – A good pair of noise-cancelling headphones will help you focus better.

13. Enjoy the Meals & Drinks

Airplane food can be hit or miss, but honestly, airplane food has improved over the years & eating can be an experience in itself. Take your time & enjoy your meal, use that time to unwind, and take in the sights around you. 

Tip – Stay hydrated! Airplane air can be very dry, so drink plenty of water.

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Conclusion!

When it comes to thinking of activities on the plane it may be easy to get stuck thinking it is just a flight but remember flying is not just travel time it is your “me time.”

And there is a lot to do on an airplane, from reading, sleeping, writing & gaming. There is an endless list of things to do in the airplane that can make travel fun & relaxing. 

So next time you get on a plane, bring plenty of entertainment, stay comfortable & enjoy every single mile in the air!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do on the plane if I can’t sleep?

A: In the event that you cannot sleep on an airplane you can do activities which reduce stress and are relaxing, such as listening to relaxing music, watching a light-hearted movie or show, or reading something easy to read. You can also take this opportunity to breathe and do simple stretches to help relax your body. You’ll also want to avoid caffeine and bright screens for a reasonable time before sleep.

Q: What are some things for adults to do on an airplane if they want to be productive?

A: Adults can use their flight time to catch up on personal to-do tasks, such as sorting travel documents, setting budgets, planning itineraries, or writing offline emails. With WiFi, you can take an on-line course or read eBooks related to your job or interest.

Q: What are some things to do on an airplane for introverts that are quiet?

A: If you prefer to do quiet things on the airplane, you can do journaling, meditating, drawing or sketching, and using headphones with your downloaded movies in silent mode. Introverts tend to find peace in doing solo things that do not involve any social experiences but keep the mind occupied & engaged.

Q: What should you do on a plane without WiFi?

A: While WiFi is fantastic, you can still have fun when it is not available. Be sure to download a variety of offline content to use to pass a few hours such as music, games or eBooks. You can also create small projects that help you stay busy in a creative way, such as doodling, writing down trip memories or working on puzzles. These are perfect activities to do on a plane while you are not surfing the internet via WiFi!

Q: What can I do on a plane to avoid boredom on long flights?

A: To stay engaged on long flights it is time for some flight mixed activity! It is important to break your flight into manageable or short bits of time. One way to break your flight into short windows of time is to pick 3 to 4 activities like watching 1 movie, reading 1 hour & then meditate or nap for a bit. Switching activities keeps your mind engaged & will speed up time on longer flights!

Q: What should I do on a 6 hour flight if I am a restless traveler?

A: If you are a restless traveler it helps to get up & stretch, walk the aisle or do leg exercises at your seat. Make healthy snacks to eat during your flight break, stay hydrated & switch between fun airplane activities such as games, reading & music. You can also try some mindfulness apps that are also offline!

Q: Kids’ Activities on Airplanes on International Flights?

A: In addition to games & toys, parents may also download children’s movies, audiobooks & coloring apps. Consider packing small snacks as well as comfort items like a favorite blanket or mascot. Small surprises such as a sticker book or puzzle sheet also work wonders to keep kids busy across the flight.

Q: Activities on an Airplane when Traveling Alone?

A: If you are traveling alone, enjoy the downtime! Attempt to watch other travelers, journal your thoughts or edit travel images. Some people who travel alone also enjoy listening to motivational podcasts or learning to say a few words in the language of the location they are travelling to. This is a fun and usable activity in the air.

Q: Activities on an Airplane if You’re Nervous or Anxious about Flying?

A: When feeling nervous start by concentrating on your breath or guided meditation tracks to calm your nerves. You can also distract yourself with enjoyable & comforting activities such as listening to your favorite music, reading encouraging stories or watching satisfying videos. Avoid caffeine & drink water to help reduce feelings of anxiety.

Q: What are ways to stay refreshed on arrival?

A: Drink water, moisturize your skin & get up & walk. When the plane gets close enough to your destination go to the lavatory & wash your face (even brush your teeth) and stretch your legs. These activities in the plane can make you feel fresh & more comfortable after long hours in the air.