It is no secret that flying isn’t the most entertaining way to travel. And, depending on where you are traveling, you could spend hours in flight. That could mean a case of boredom and a lot of hours wasted – or are they? If you plan, you can stay entertained on a flight – or even be productive in flight.
To give you some ideas, here are 10 ways to stay entertained on a flight.
1. Catch up on emails.
Just how often do you clear out your email inbox? So often we receive emails that aren’t as important as others and we push them aside – focusing our attention on the urgent matters. If you are like most people, you probably tell yourself you will come back to them later. But, do you? Likely not often enough.
Thanks to inflight connectivity you can access your email while on board. Use your flight time to complete this daunting task. You will feel so refreshed once you land!
2. Read.
Life can be busy and all your good intentions when it comes to reading can be pushed to the back-burner time and time again. In fact, it is common for people to have a stack of books, an enormous virtual library, or a reading list – and have not read any of them. Not necessarily because they don’t want to, but because it is difficult to find the time.
Flight time offers the perfect opportunity to catch up on your reading list to stay entertained on a flight.
3. Take a nap.
Are you always looking for downtime? While in the air, take a nap! Not only will this help you feel fresh upon your arrival, but it will also help you curtail any issues that could arise with jetlag. Ask for a pillow or bring your own – then close your eyes. As you drift away to sweet dreams your pilot will get you one step closer to your destination.
4. Travel to unfamiliar places.
By using the in-flight connectivity, you can make use of any Virtual Reality equipment you have. Once you are in the air, don your VR gear and transport yourself to any location other than your airplane’s cabin. Virtual Reality lets you travel and visit new and unfamiliar places. Not only does this help pass time and decrease boredom, it also helps reduce any ounce of claustrophobia you may possess.
5. Talk to your neighbor.
You can always choose to hold a conversation with the person or people sitting near you. In fact, when traveling, you never quite know who you may have the opportunity to meet. However, it is very important to make sure that you get the impression they actually want to talk. As often as people enjoy conversing in-flight, there are many people who don’t. Read the body language and take a hint if given.
6. Enjoy gaming.
Games are always fun – and time flies when you are having fun, right? Playing a game could mean playing a travel-size version of your favorite game, such as Scrabble, Connect Four, or the like. Or, you could take a deck of cards and have the option of many different card games to play. Both suggestions would mostly require you to have a companion traveling with you or a very social neighbor.
So, if you are traveling alone, you can download games and apps on your phone, tablet, or laptop to occupy your time. For best results, do your research and find the ones that interest you before you travel. This will allow you to download the games on your Wi-Fi and not have to worry about the download speed of the airline – especially if flying commercial.
7. Get some work done.
Make the best use of your flight time and get some work done. Doing so will give you more free time once you reach your destination and it will make you feel quite accomplished. Inflight wifi and connectivity offers you the chance to use your laptop to connect remotely to your office, access your needed files, send and receive emails, or anything else your work may consist of. Not only will this let you stay entertained on a flight, it allows you to be productive as well.
8. Journal or write a letter.
This is a perfect opportunity for you to start a journal (or write in one if you do already) or write a letter to someone important to you. Doing this the old-fashioned way and hand-writing a letter, it can be more personal. You don’t always need to be connected, but it is also possible for you to journal online or write a letter via email, too.
9. Listen to music.
Music can be very therapeutic. It can also let you close your eyes and drift away – making time go by rather quickly. If this sounds like your best way to cure boredom on a flight, then you will want to make sure you bring headphones or earbuds with you on your next flight. Connect them to your cell phone, your tablet, or your laptop and stream a great flow of music.
If you are traveling via private jet, you have even more options – including leaving the headphones and earbuds at home! Private jets generally offer the capability of listening to music streaming through speakers throughout the cabin. Plus, the extra privacy means you can actually sing out loud or get up and dance if you want to!
10. Stream movies.
And, finally, streaming movies is perhaps the best way to pass the time and decrease boredom while on a flight. Many planes are now equipped with an in flight entertainment system that allows you access to music, movies, TV shows, magazines and more! You can enjoy the latest movies – and even some old ones – with the help of your own device (such as a cell phone, laptop, or tablet) and the ability to connect to in-flight Wi-Fi. Streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and others offer great movie selections. In addition to movies, there are also TV shows. How about streaming an entire season of one of the latest shows while on a long flight? Talk about passing the time!
Stay entertained on a flight next time you travel. Be prepared with some of the above suggestions or one of your own. Happy travels!