How to Handle Boredom on Long Haul Flights: Engaging Activities

16 March 2025

We’ve all been there. The excitement of boarding a long-haul flight quickly fades once you've settled into your seat and realized you’re facing hours—sometimes even an entire day—of being confined to a cramped space. Whether you’re flying across the country or halfway around the globe, the question remains: How do you handle boredom on a long-haul flight?

In this post, we’re going to dive deep into the most engaging activities that will not only help pass the time but also keep you entertained, productive, and even a little relaxed. So, buckle up (literally), sit back, and get ready to transform your next flying experience into something more manageable, and dare I say, enjoyable.

The Universal Struggle

Before we get into the fun stuff, let’s just acknowledge the elephant in the cabin—long-haul flights can be a total test of patience. You’re strapped into a seat that might feel like it was designed for a mannequin rather than a human, surrounded by strangers, and left to your own devices for hours on end.

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably asked yourself, "How do I possibly make it through this flight without losing my mind?" Well, you’re in luck—because there are plenty of ways to not only survive but thrive.

Break Time into Manageable Chunks

Let’s face it: staring at the clock, counting down the hours, and obsessively checking your flight tracker isn't helping. A great first step to dealing with a long-haul flight is breaking the flight into small, manageable chunks.

Use the Rule of Threes:

1. First third: Get settled, explore the in-flight entertainment, maybe have your first snack or meal.
2. Second third: Dive into something a bit more immersive—whether it’s watching a movie, reading a good book, or listening to an intriguing podcast.
3. Final third: Wind down. Maybe stretch a bit, listen to calming music or attempt to sleep.

By breaking your time up this way, the flight doesn’t feel like one endless stretch. Instead, it’s a series of small moments—each with something new for you to do.

Top Engaging Activities for Long-Haul Flights

Now that we’ve restructured your time, let’s get into the nitty-gritty: what to do during these chunks.

1. Binge-Watch Movies & Shows

We’re starting with the obvious one. Most airlines now offer solid entertainment options right from your seatback screen or via an app on your phone or tablet. You can find everything from the latest blockbuster to TV series, documentaries, and even independent films. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a hidden gem you’ve been meaning to watch but never had the time for.

Not a fan of the limited selection? No worries—download movies or episodes on something like Netflix, Disney+, or Amazon Prime before boarding. This way, you have a tailored list of entertainment waiting for you.

Pro Tip:

Go for a full movie marathon. Watching back-to-back films can easily eat up 4-6 hours of flight time.

2. Read (or Audiobook) Your Heart Out

There’s nothing quite like getting lost in a book to make the hours fly (pun intended). Whether it’s a gripping thriller, an epic fantasy, or even a non-fiction guide, reading will keep your brain engaged while keeping boredom at bay.

If you're not into reading or find it hard to concentrate with all the distractions of a flight, try an audiobook. You can let the words wash over you while you relax, close your eyes, and imagine the scenes unfolding in your mind.

Pro Tip:

Try reading about your destination. A travel guide, a novel set in the country you’re visiting, or even a history book can add excitement and anticipation to your trip.

3. Listen to Podcasts

Podcasts are the perfect balance between entertainment and education. Whether you're in the mood for something light-hearted, like a comedy show, or want to dive deep into history, science, or true crime, there’s a podcast for you. Plus, many podcasts run for about 30-60 minutes, making it easy to break up your listening time into digestible pieces.

Pro Tip:

Download episodes in advance. Even if your airline offers Wi-Fi, it’s often unreliable or pricey. Having episodes pre-downloaded ensures you won’t be stuck mid-episode due to buffering.

4. Engage in Creative Writing or Journaling

Not only does writing pass the time, but it also allows you to turn your long flight into a productive space. Whether it's jotting down ideas, journaling your travel experiences, or even starting a short story, writing can spark creativity and keep you occupied.

Pro Tip:

If you're into travel journaling, reflect on your thoughts about the journey ahead, your expectations for the trip, or even little moments on the flight that stand out. You’ll appreciate these reflections when you look back on them after the trip.

5. Sketch or Doodle

Even if you’re not a professional artist, sketching or doodling can be incredibly relaxing and fulfilling. All you need is a small notebook and a pen or pencil. You can draw anything from the view outside your window (even if it's mostly clouds) to doodles of your flight experience.

Pro Tip:

If you want a more structured experience, try out apps like Procreate or Adobe Fresco if you’re traveling with a tablet.

6. Games: Go Digital or Analog

Whether you're a fan of traditional card games like solitaire or prefer mobile games, gaming is a great way to pass a few hours. There are tons of downloadable games for your smartphone or tablet that will keep you entertained.

Classic analog games:

- Card games: Bring a travel deck and play solitaire or rummy to pass the time.
- Sudoku or crossword puzzles: Keep your brain sharp with classic puzzles. You can find these in printed booklets or apps.

Pro Tip:

You don’t need Wi-Fi for most mobile games. Just download a few before boarding, and you’re set.

7. Plan (or Dream About) Your Trip

Why not use the time to plan the perfect trip? Whether you didn’t get a chance to finalize your itinerary or simply want to dream up some exciting activities, this is your time to focus on all the fun that awaits. Use apps, guidebooks, or even Pinterest to jot down ideas for dining, sightseeing, or hidden gems.

Pro Tip:

Take advantage of offline maps or guides. Download them before your flight so you can easily map out routes and attractions once you land.

8. Exercise & Stretch

Sitting for long periods can be uncomfortable, so the key is to keep your body moving, even within the limited space. A quick walk to the restroom or a few stretches in your seat can alleviate stress and help you feel less cramped.

Simple stretches:

- Neck rolls: Gently rotate your head in circles.
- Shoulder shrugs: Roll your shoulders backward and forward.
- Ankle circles: Lift your feet slightly off the ground and rotate your ankles.

Pro Tip:

If you're in the aisle seat, take advantage of your freedom by standing up every hour or so. This can help reduce muscle stiffness and improve circulation.

9. Catch Up on Sleep

Easier said than done, right? But with the right set-up, even airplane sleep can be somewhat comfortable. Bring a neck pillow, eye mask, noise-canceling headphones, and a blanket. The goal is to create a cozy little cocoon for yourself. Block out the noise, dim the lights (AKA wear your eye mask), and drift into a nap.

Pro Tip:

Try to sync your sleep with the time zone of your destination. This might help reduce jet lag when you land.

10. Meditate or Practice Mindfulness

Sometimes, the best way to pass time is to do nothing at all. Meditating or practicing mindfulness can be a great way to center yourself and destress during the flight. Try focusing on your breathing, a mantra, or even the hum of the plane’s engine.

Pro Tip:

Use meditation apps like Headspace or Calm. Many offer guided meditations specifically for travel or anxiety.

Bonus: Mix and Match

The ultimate way to stave off boredom on a long-haul flight is to switch between activities. Don’t stick to just one form of entertainment! Mix it up—watch a movie, read for a while, take a nap, do some stretches, play a game. Switching between different tasks will make time fly by faster, keeping your brain engaged without getting bored with any single activity.

Conclusion

Long-haul flights don’t have to be a nightmare. With a little preparation and creativity, your time in the air can become an opportunity to relax, explore new things, or even be productive. Whether it's binge-watching, reading, gaming, or simply sketching, there’s no shortage of engaging activities to keep you busy. So, next time you find yourself on a long flight, try a combination of these activities, and before you know it, you'll be landing at your destination, wondering where all the time went.