10 Unique Things to Do on a Long Flight (That Don’t Involve Watching Movies)
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Ah, long-haul flights. That magical time when you're crammed into a flying metal tube, desperately trying to find a comfortable sleeping position that doesn't involve accidentally snuggling with a stranger.
But fear not! Instead of counting the minutes until you land (or aggressively refreshing the flight map to see if you've moved an inch), why not use this time wisely? Here are 10 fun and productive ways to make your flight fly by that aren’t obvious (i.e. watching movies or reading a book. Or, most importantly, sleeping, which you should also try to do).
**As a side note, a lot of these require internet connectivity. I can tell you I’m a recent convert to buying Wi-Fi on long haul flights, and it’s totally worth it to keep yourself entertained (and, quite frankly, productive during an otherwise dead time).**
1. Learn a New Language
Sure, Duolingo’s owl can be mildly threatening, but what better time to master French, Spanish, or Italian (I am currently doing all three) than when you're literally trapped in a seat with nowhere to go? Bonus points if you're heading to a country where the language is spoken—you’ll land feeling like a local (or at least capable of ordering coffee without accidentally asking for a bathtub).
I’d just recommend turning off the speaking function, unless you want everyone around you to be annoyed and hearing you butcher the rolling r’s (I’m still trying to master those).
2. Clean Out Your Phone Pictures
Your phone is a graveyard of blurry concert shots, screenshots of things you don’t remember why you saved, and 72 nearly identical selfies. Take this flight as your Marie Kondo moment—does that picture of a sandwich from 2018 still spark joy? No? Delete it.
3. Organize Your Pinterest Boards
Remember that Pinterest board you made five years ago titled “Dream Closet” that’s now just 200 pictures of shoes you’ll never buy? Time to clean house! Move pins around, create new boards, and finally put some order to the chaos. You’ll land feeling like you’ve got your life together… even if you’re still wearing compression socks and a neck pillow. (This is definitely what I’m doing on a long flight.)
4. Learn Calligraphy/Fancy Writing
Nothing says “I have my life together” like beautiful handwriting. Bring a small notebook and practice those elegant swirls. By the time you land, your grocery lists will look like they belong in a medieval manuscript.
I really love this book for learning new fonts. Even my notes for work are prettier now. Also, you can buy some fancy pens to practice on Amazon for a very reasonable price.
5. Plan Some Extra Excursions for Your Trip
You booked the flights and hotels, but what about the fun stuff? Use this time to research quirky museums, hidden gems, or the best local restaurants. Who knows? You might just stumble upon the world’s largest ball of yarn and decide it’s a must-see. (No judgment; I once flew to Arkansas just to see Walmart’s headquarters. FYI, northwest Arkansas is gorgeous.)
Viator is my go-to for finding fun excursions.
It’s how I found a cooking class after shopping for ingredients in an open air market in Cartagena, a private tour that drove me into the middle of the Kyrgyz countryside to watch their independence day games, and my wedding gift to my brother – a boat ride during their honeymoon on the Amalfi Coast where you catch fish and have an onboard chef cook it for you (I’m a great sister). You’ll be surprised the number of interesting tours that you never would have thought of!
6. Read the Bible
I took a travel Bible (in pink!) when I went to Italy for 3 weeks. Every year I do a reading plan for reading it in a year, and I didn’t want to get off-track while I was abroad. I read a couple of days’ worth on the flight to Rome, which was enriching, productive, AND helped me pass the time.
Plus, if you’re a nervous flyer, this will provide a lot of comfort.
If you want a Bible reading plan, this one guides you through it in a year, and you can start it at any time!
7. Research Something You’ve Always Wanted to Learn About
Have you always been curious about investing in gold? Learning how to train a puppy? What exactly are antioxidants, anyway? Now’s your chance to fall into a delightful research rabbit hole. Just try not to mutter fun facts to your seatmate—they might not share your enthusiasm, or worse, you’re roped into a 9 hour conversation.
8. Email Friends and Former Colleagues You Haven't Talked to in a While
That one coworker who might be a great contact during this job search? The friend you used live down the hall from but lost touch because life happens? Use this flight to reconnect! A simple “Hey, I was just thinking about you” can go a long way—and make you seem like the thoughtful, put-together person you aspire to be (especially with your fancy new calligraphy).
9. Find YouTube Workouts to Do in Your Hotel Room
If your hotel gym turns out to be a treadmill from the 1980s and a single, suspiciously sticky yoga mat, don’t worry. Or, if you’re in Europe, there’s a good chance there’s no gym at all.
Use your flight time to find some quick and effective YouTube workouts. Whether it’s yoga, HIIT, or “silent” workouts that won’t alarm your downstairs neighbors, you’ll be ready to stay active on your trip. My personal suggestion for the ladies is to use this time to try barre if you haven’t done so yet! Pilates is also a great option.
Sign up for the FREE barre routine I do in hotel rooms!
10. Do Some Arts & Crafts
Channel your inner nonna and bring a small cross-stitch kit on board. Or some other art/craft like a sketch pad or pastels (admittedly those are messier but beautiful).
Not only will it keep your hands busy, but you’ll also have a cute little craft to show for your time.
And you might uncover some new artistic flair/creative talent! You can download different fonts for cross-stitch on Etsy, FYI, along with all the materials needed. In other words, you don’t need to buy a cross-stitch kit.
And there you have it! The next time you’re stuck on a long plane ride, embrace the opportunity to be productive, learn something new, and maybe even arrive at your destination feeling like a slightly improved version of yourself. Safe travels—and may your seatmate not be a snorer!
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