How to Survive Long Flights in Economy

Knowing how to survive long flights in economy can make a flight fly by, & after living abroad for 8 years, we share our best tips for those long hauls.

Long-haul flights are a rite of passage for any avid traveler. Whether you’re crossing continents for a dream vacation or flying home from an adventure, those hours in the sky can feel endless without a plan for how to pass the time. 

The hum of the engines, the limited space, and the slow crawl of the in-flight clock can make even the most seasoned traveler restless. But with a bit of preparation and creativity, that journey can transform into an enjoyable part of the trip itself. Here are seven fun ways to keep yourself entertained during your next long-haul flight.

How to Survive Long Flights in Economy

1. Dive into a New Podcast Series

Podcasts are perfect travel companions: they’re engaging, lightweight to download, and available in endless varieties. If you’ve been meaning to start a new series, a long flight is the ideal setting. 

Consider travel-focused podcasts like Atlas Obscura for quirky global stories or The Moth for captivating real-life tales. 

If you want something lighter, comedy shows like SmartLess or No Such Thing As A Fish can bring some much-needed laughter to your journey. Download episodes in advance so you’re not relying on in-flight Wi-Fi. By the time you land, you might be halfway through a new favorite series.

2. Bring a Travel Journal or Sketchbook

Something is calming about putting pen to paper while the world drifts by outside your window. A travel journal allows you to record your thoughts, make plans for your trip, or jot down observations from the journey. 

Sketchbooks work just as well, especially if you’re an aspiring artist. You can capture cloud formations, seat-back still lifes, or imaginative doodles inspired by your destination. This simple practice can make the time pass quickly while giving you a keepsake of your trip.

3. Watch Offline Movies or Series

In-flight entertainment has come a long way, but not every airline offers the selection you might want. Pre-download movies or series to your device before you leave home so you can control your viewing options. 

Long flights are perfect for binge-watching that series you’ve been putting off or rewatching a comforting classic. For travel inspiration, consider films like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty or Eat Pray Love. You can even theme your viewing to your destination: romantic comedies for Paris, thrillers for New York, or nature documentaries for New Zealand.

4. Play Casual Mobile Games

Sometimes the best way to pass the time on a flight is with a bit of lighthearted fun. Casual mobile games fit the bill perfectly; they’re easy to pick up and put down, require minimal focus, and can keep you entertained without feeling like a commitment. That makes them ideal for the short bursts of attention we often have mid-flight, especially between announcements, snacks, and glances out the window.. Puzzle games, word challenges, and themed slots can all provide a quick mental break.

For travelers who enjoy colorful, animal-themed gameplay, the Cats slot game is a fun pick that adds a touch of whimsy to the journey; perfect for when you want a quick distraction at 35,000 feet. Just remember to download your chosen games before takeoff to play offline, and maybe pack a portable charger so the fun lasts until landing.

5. Learn a New Language

If your trip takes you to a foreign country, why not use your flight to pick up some key phrases. Apps like Duolingo, Babbel, or Memrise make language learning feel like a game, with bite-sized lessons you can complete between naps and meals. 

You don’t need to aim for fluency; even a few simple words and greetings can make a big difference in your travel experience. Practice ordering coffee, asking for directions, or learning polite expressions. Not only will it help you navigate your destination, but locals often appreciate the effort, making for warmer interactions.

6. Try Audiobooks or Guided Meditations

Audiobooks are perfect for long-haul flights: they keep your eyes free to rest while letting your imagination wander. No matter if you choose a gripping thriller, a heartwarming romance, or a travel memoir, you can easily get lost in the story. Platforms like Audible and Libby have vast selections you can download ahead of time.

If you’d prefer to unwind, guided meditations from apps like Calm or Insight Timer can help ease travel anxiety or lull you into a mid-flight nap. Many include soothing visuals that can whisk your mind away to a peaceful place, even while your seatbelt is still fastened and you’re cruising miles above the clouds.

7. Get Creative with In-Flight Photography

While airplane photography might not seem thrilling at first, it’s a unique opportunity to capture moments most people overlook. Play with angles for that iconic wing shot, experiment with framing cabin details, or catch the subtle shifts of light as the sun sets or rises. 

The lucky ones seated by the window can capture breathtaking and endlessly varied cloudscapes. You can also document small moments of your journey, like your travel companion’s laugh or the details of your meal. These photos can make great additions to your travel blog or social media, helping you remember the trip from start to finish.

Turning Travel Time Into Part of the Adventure

Long-haul flights don’t have to be a test of patience. With the right activities, whether that’s losing yourself in a podcast, sketching your surroundings, or enjoying a quick game, you can make the journey feel like an enjoyable part of the adventure. 

Next time you board a plane for hours in the air, try mixing and matching these ideas to keep your mind engaged and your mood upbeat. You might just find that the time passes faster than you think, leaving you refreshed and ready to explore when you land.