The flights are wonderful and exciting, but at the same time are tiring, especially if it lasts some hours. For this reason on most long flights the airlines try to provide on-board entertainment, seat-back video, meal and drinks.  You can check  here to find out what will be available on your flight making full use of the in-flight entertainment system (watching all the good shows and movies, playing all the games). Remember that the entertainment on board varies with route and plane type. If the airline does not provide any of these services,  here are some ideas that let you have fun on the plane:

• load your tablet /smartphone/laptop/ CD player with movies, good shows and music which will entertain you
• bring a book, magazines, newspapers to read, listen to audio-books or bring a guide-book of your upcoming destination
• do Sudoku, crosswords, puzzles, and similar
• play games on whatever device you have
• talk to other passengers, you can meet amazing people
• you can sleep or rest: take something comfortable like a neck-pillow or a blanket in case there aren’t any given to you, a sleep mask and earplugs;  try to get a bit of rest during the flight, you will want it 🙂
• earphones are great if you want to disconnect from your surroundings by listening to the music
• eat and drink; check if your airline serves meals and water (not guaranteed on budget flights) if not, bring your own! You can bring food, like snacks; the water, you will bring after security. If the food and water is included then you don’t need it
• chewing gum helps a lot, also relieves the pressure in your ears
• writing will definitely help pass the time
• do craft/project like knitting/crochet that will help with the boredom and makes you feel productive; there are wooden knitting needles and crochet hooks that are allowed on the board
• you can edit photos
• if you travel with friends or family, bring playing cards
• if you have window seat, look outside and make clouds shapes
• learn to draw and bring coloring books; there are coloring books for adults that have therapeutic benefits such as relieving anxiety and stress
• if you travel with a child, check travelling with babies and children
• lastly, enjoy your trip!

Bonus tips:

• on some airlines you can download the airline’s application to enjoy free wireless from your phone, tablet or laptop that will give the opportunity to chat with your friends, finish some work, or stumble the web; check here to see if it is offered by the airline
• some flights offer in-flight entertainment devices upon request
• the WiFi sometimes doesn’t work
• the I-Pods and the portable game devices are great on planes, but the batteries won’t last more than a few hours (pack one or more battery if you have or pack a book)
• check if the aircraft is equipped with power ports (which can also re-charge an i-Pod or game device)
• pack a complete change of clothes and basic toiletries in your hand bag; check the security requirements at: www.tsa.gov
• dress in comfortable clothes and shoes that are not too tight; your feet will swell during a long flight and tight clothes can make it harder to sleep
• don’t forget to get up and stretch sometimes; on long flights: walk around the aisle at least every couple hours, take a look back or in front of you, maybe you can meet someone interesting
• join the frequent flier program for the airline, unless you already belong to a “partner” program; joining is free and you can do it online
• check  www.seatguru.com for seat suggestions; if you intend to sleep, try to get a window seat and gather some extra pillows & blankets to make a “bed” to lean against; you can also call the airline and request a seat as early as allowed
• buy a membership or a single visit pass to the airline’s lounges, if offered by the airline
• eat everything what is served by the airline unless of course it looks really bad 🙂
• drink enough water to help stay hydrated rather than nauseated, but not so much you’re always going to the WC
• don’t keep thinking about how long it will be before you land; if you do, the flight will seem longer and longer

I hope you have a great trip!

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