5 Practical Long Flight Entertainment Ideas to Keep Everyone Engaged

Flying long-haul doesn’t have to mean counting down the hours in boredom. With the right mix of preparation and creativity, your time in the air can become part of the holiday itself. Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends, or on your own, these tips will help you enjoy every mile.

When you’re travelling for hours at a stretch, having the right long flight entertainment ideas can transform your journey from a test of patience into an enjoyable start to your holiday. A little planning goes a long way. With the right mix of activities, you can stay engaged, make the most of onboard amenities, and even arrive feeling refreshed. Whether you’re keeping children occupied, staying connected to your hobbies, or making use of in-flight services, the possibilities are greater than you might think. In this guide, we’ll share a variety of strategies that work for all ages and travel styles. By the time you land, you’ll wonder how the hours passed so quickly. After all, flying is part of the adventure — so why not make it a memorable one?

Family-Friendly Long Flight Entertainment Ideas

Travelling with children on a long flight can be rewarding, but it does require more preparation. Kids often have shorter attention spans, so variety is key. Here are some tried-and-tested options:

• Portable puzzles and games – Magnetic travel games or small puzzle books can keep hands and minds busy without taking up much space.
• Audiobooks and story podcasts – Download a few titles in advance so children can enjoy stories without relying on screens.
• Craft kits – Simple craft sets like origami paper or colouring packs are easy to pack and can keep them entertained for an hour or more.
• Surprise bags – Wrap small toys or activity items and hand them out at intervals during the flight.

This adds an element of excitement and anticipation.

Break the journey into segments. Alternate between active play (drawing, puzzles) and quieter moments (listening to music, reading). Snacks can also double as an activity if you pack something fun like a bento-style snack box they can explore.

If you’re travelling overnight, try to plan a wind-down period before you want them to sleep. Dim the lights at their seat, offer a blanket, and switch to low-key activities. The calmer the environment, the easier it will be for them to rest.

Long Flight Entertainment Ideas for Solo Travellers

Travelling alone on a long flight can be both freeing and challenging. Without a travel companion to chat to, you have full control over your schedule — but that means you need to plan activities that keep you engaged throughout the journey.

A simple approach is to think in time blocks. Divide the flight into three- or four-hour chunks, and plan a different type of activity for each. You might start with a film or audiobook, move on to a creative project like journalling, and then spend a while reading or doing a crossword.

Language learning is another rewarding option. Many travellers use apps to pick up basic phrases for their destination. Even learning a handful of greetings can make your arrival more enjoyable.

Consider packing a “comfort kit” with a soft scarf, eye mask, and favourite snacks. These small touches make it easier to settle in for a relaxing stretch of reading or listening to music. Solo travel offers a unique opportunity to focus on yourself — so why not use the hours in the air to enjoy it fully?

Tech and Gadgets to Make Time Fly

For many travellers, technology is the go-to solution for passing the hours. A well-chosen gadget or app can keep you entertained from take-off to landing.

Start with your smartphone or tablet. Download films, TV shows, or playlists before you fly — streaming options might be limited or unavailable in the air. Many streaming platforms now allow offline downloads, so you can have your favourites ready without using data.

Noise-cancelling headphones are worth their weight in gold. They reduce background noise, making it easier to enjoy audio or simply rest. A lightweight e-reader can be another great addition, allowing you to carry an entire library without adding bulk to your bag.

If you like games, choose ones that can be played offline. Puzzle apps, language-learning games, and strategy titles can help pass the time while giving your brain a workout. Some travellers also enjoy bringing a small portable console, such as a Nintendo Switch, for longer gaming sessions.

Remember to pack a power bank. Even with seatback charging, it’s handy to have your own backup power source so you never run out of battery mid-journey.

Creative and Low-Tech Ways to Pass the Hours

Not all long flight entertainment ideas need to involve a screen. In fact, flights can be a great opportunity to slow down and enjoy more mindful activities.

Writing in a travel journal is a rewarding way to pass time. You can reflect on your trip so far or note your hopes for the journey ahead. Sketching is another option — even simple doodles can be surprisingly absorbing.

Card games work well if you’re travelling with a companion. A compact deck offers countless options, from quick games of snap to longer rounds of rummy. Solo travellers might enjoy solitaire or even learning a new card game from a booklet.

If you’re feeling social, a long flight can be an opportunity to chat with fellow passengers. Conversations can lead to interesting travel tips or even new friendships. Just be sure to read cues — not everyone wants to talk.

Mindfulness exercises, like deep breathing or short meditations, can also help you feel calmer and make the hours pass more pleasantly.

Long Flight Entertainment Ideas for Couples and Friends

When you’re travelling with a partner or friends, a long-haul flight can be a perfect chance to share experiences before you even land. Planning joint activities can make the journey feel shorter and more connected.

Bring a deck of cards or a compact travel game you both enjoy. Choose something that’s quick to set up and can be paused easily for meal service or rest breaks. Puzzle books designed for two players, such as logic challenges or trivia quizzes, can also spark plenty of conversation.

You could also create a shared music playlist in advance, taking turns adding songs. Listening together through a headphone splitter or Bluetooth share function can feel like a mini sound journey.

If you’re food lovers, bring a selection of snacks from home or the airport to try together. Tasting and rating them can be surprisingly entertaining — and you might find a new favourite treat.

Finally, think about making part of your flight a quiet time. Watch the same film, read side-by-side, or take a short nap so you both feel refreshed on arrival. Balancing fun and rest is the key to a comfortable trip.

Making the Most of In-Flight Services and Entertainment

While it’s smart to bring your own activities, in-flight services shouldn’t be overlooked. Many airlines now offer impressive entertainment libraries with hundreds of films, TV shows, and documentaries.

Check the airline’s website before you fly to see what’s available. That way, you can plan which titles to watch and make the most of your time onboard. Some carriers even have exclusive content you won’t find elsewhere.

Don’t forget about the food service. Turning mealtimes into mini-events can help break up the journey. If the airline offers a choice, pick something you wouldn’t normally have at home — it adds a sense of occasion.

Some long-haul flights also have onboard amenities like self-serve snack bars, seatback messaging, or even small social spaces. Taking a short walk to stretch your legs can refresh your energy and make the return to your seat feel more comfortable.

Protections You Get When Booking with Jamie Wake Travel

When you book your holiday through Jamie Wake Travel, you get more than expert advice and a personal service — you get peace of mind. As an independent travel agency, we are proud members of Protected Trust Services and hold an ATOL licence. That means your holiday is fully protected from the moment you book to the day you return.

Every tailor-made holiday we arrange comes with Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. This ensures that if a travel provider or airline experiences financial issues, your holiday plans remain secure. Your booking is also backed by our wide network of trusted suppliers and tour operators, giving you access to exclusive deals and experiences.

It’s all part of our commitment to making your journey as stress-free as possible — from the moment you start dreaming to the moment you arrive home.

“Long flights can be an unexpected highlight of a holiday if you approach them with the right mindset. I always tell clients to treat the journey as part of the adventure — plan your activities, bring a few comforts from home, and you might just find you enjoy the ride as much as the destination.”

Turning Your Flight into a Holiday Highlight

A long-haul flight doesn’t have to be something you endure. With a thoughtful mix of entertainment, rest, and small indulgences, you can turn it into an experience you’ll look back on fondly. Think about how you want to feel when you land, and plan your in-flight activities accordingly.

At Jamie Wake Travel, we believe the journey is just as important as the destination. That’s why we take the time to help you prepare for every aspect of your trip — from recommending the best seats to suggesting entertainment options that suit your travel style.

Making Your Own Onboard Entertainment Kit

Creating a personalised entertainment kit before your trip is one of the easiest ways to guarantee a good flight. The idea is simple: you assemble a mix of items that appeal to your own interests, so you’re never short of something to do.

Start with a small pouch or organiser to keep everything tidy. Include a mix of practical and fun items.

You might pack:

• A paperback or e-reader
• A notebook and pen
• Snacks you genuinely enjoy
• Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
• A small puzzle or game
• A scarf or light blanket

The benefit of an entertainment kit is that it’s ready for any mood. If you feel restless, you can switch to a game. If you need to relax, you’ve got a good book or music ready to go. And because everything is in one place, you won’t be rummaging around in your bag mid-flight.

Some travellers like to add a “surprise item” to their kit — something small they haven’t looked at in advance, like a magazine they picked up at the airport. This creates a little moment of excitement halfway through the journey.

Start Your Journey the Right Way

A well-planned flight sets the tone for the entire holiday. By choosing your long flight entertainment ideas in advance, you can make the hours in the air something to enjoy rather than endure. Whether it’s a solo adventure, a family getaway, or a trip with friends, the right mix of activities ensures you arrive feeling refreshed and ready to explore.

At Jamie Wake Travel, we believe the journey should be as memorable as the destination. That’s why we don’t just book flights — we tailor your holiday to suit you, right down to the little details that make travel special. As members of Protected Trust Services with full ATOL protection, you can relax knowing your booking is secure from the moment it’s confirmed.

Ready to plan your next trip? Call us on 01495 400005 or use the holiday enquiry form on our website.

You can also design and book your own bespoke holiday — as unique as you are — with our easy search function available on every page. And if you’d rather leave the planning to us, we’re only a call or message away.

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