How to Stay Entertained During a Flight

Long flights can be just that — long. Once you’ve eaten the reheated pasta and scrolled through every movie you’ve already seen, there isn’t much left to do.

We’ve all been there: the in-flight magazine is only mildly interesting (especially on the third read), the seatback screen has a resolution of 5×5, and your phone battery is down to 19%. What can you do?

Here are a few unusual ways travelers make the most of their flight time:

1. Load Up a Good Read — As Simple as That

Whether it’s a travel memoir, a business book, or fiction that grabs your imagination, having a physical book or an e-reader can make a huge difference. It’s the best way to escape the cabin walls — mentally, at least. Paired with noise-canceling headphones to isolate you from the cabin noise, you can truly lose yourself at cruising altitude.

As simple as it seems, we don’t see many people reading these days.

2. Write Something — Yes, on Paper

Airplanes are underrated thinking spaces. Whether it’s journaling, sketching ideas, or drawing, pulling out a pen can be surprisingly productive — and often oddly satisfying.

3. Travel Board Games

Here’s where it gets exciting. Board games aren’t just for game nights; they’re also perfect for travel — if you bring the right ones. Look for games that are:

• Small and portable
• Quick to set up and play
• Enjoyable solo or with a travel partner

Our favorites (naturally) are:

🛫 Low Cost Airline Manager

A fast-paced airline strategy game you can play in under 30 minutes. A few dice, no clutter — just clever decisions and a tense auction mechanic.

🏨 Boutique Hotel Manager

Perfect if you like charm with your challenge. Set in a floral, spring-inspired world, you manage rooms and set prices to attract guests — all within the confines of your tray table.

Both games are compact enough to fit in a seat pocket and designed for tight spaces — cafés, train tables, or the economy cabin.