As someone always looking for my next flight, I realized that flight times are increasing. Previously, when searching for flights in Europe, they were seven to eight hours long. I liked traveling to Europe because it was a shorter flight, and the jetlag was manageable. Now flights are about ten hours and have layovers, especially if you want to find cheaper flights. Longer flights and layovers sometimes make me hesitate to book a flight. 

I traveled to Greece over the summer of 2023. The trip from Boston to Thessaloniki was 11 hours, and I had a layover in Athens. It was my first trip in 6 years since going to China, where I experienced a long flight duration. Before traveling, I hesitated because my departure was around 5 PM, my least favorite time. I knew I would not be able to sleep on the plane. Therefore, I would be awake and alert during the whole immigration process once in Athens. Since I was going to Thessaloniki for a conference, I was worried about how fast I could recuperate to be fully present during the meetings. Hence why, I started to jot down activities I could do that would keep me relaxed, happy, and awake to survive the 10-hour flight. 

Surviving a 10-Hour Flight

Today, longer flights and long layovers are inevitable. With increasing travel durations and layovers, looking for activities during a 10-hour flight is necessary. These activities will give you everything you need to ensure a smooth time during a 10-hour flight. Activities include entertainment ideas, ideas for productivity, resting, and socializing.

1. Watch a Movie

The number one activity that I do when I get on a flight is to search for movies. I love watching movies on airplanes. I usually seek movies that I did not see in theaters. Sometimes, when a movie comes out, I label it as my “plane movie.” My “plane movies” are movies I prefer to watch during my flights. I also plan my movies based on my flight time. On a 10-hour flight, if I watch a 2-hour movie, I can watch five movies. 

Watching a movie keeps you entertained when flying. On the plane, you can enjoy films you haven’t watched or rewatch your favorite movies. Watching a movie also distracts you from the jitters of flying. It takes your mind off the worries some of us have about flying. Research shows that watching movies reduces stress, which is perfect for stressed people during long flights. Therefore, don’t stress out when booking a flight and you see a prolonged duration. See it as an opportunity to enjoy the movies you have not seen. Some of the films I watched during my last flights were “Jumanji: The Next Level,” “Mr. Malcolm’s List,” & “Magic Mike: The Last Dance.” So, friends, I hope you enjoy as many movies as possible on your next long flight. 

2. Read a Book

The second thing I see travelers do during a long flight is to read a book. Some people have hard copies of a book, while others read on their iPads or tablets. With the popularity of audiobooks, many also like to listen to books and podcasts on Audible. (Affiliate Link Alert!)

Reading a book is also a great way to entertain yourself and helps make the time fly by. Whenever I read a book, I become enthralled by the story and forget where I am. Reading has always been the perfect escape for me. I like reading whenever I am traveling, whether by plane, bus, or train. I envision myself as one of the characters in the story, and with a good book, I always want to know what will happen next, so I continue reading. As a person who loves to travel but is afraid of flying, being in another universe with a book helps with the flying jitters. I like to grab a series of books to keep myself busy.  

3. Catch up on Work

Another activity people do to pass the time during a 10-hour flight is catch up on work. If you are traveling on business or school, there is a chance you have some work you need to do. Being on a plane where most people are either asleep or watching a movie gives you the quiet space to work effectively. 

I once sat next to a passenger traveling for business. During our flight, he was working on a report he needed to present once we landed in Ireland. On a flight back from China, I used the quiet space to work on scholarship applications for my study abroad project in France. Working on the plane has been cathartic to me in the past, especially when the flight is nice and smooth. 

4. Work on your Project

As a travel blogger, I get most of my travel ideas during a flight. I jot down my ideas when on the plane because I observe things in the traveling space I would like to write about or share at the airport. Therefore, when I get to my seat, I write and create content before my ideas slip away. Following the previous point, working during the flight is cathartic. It is the perfect place to create written content or products for your business. 

If you are creative, the ambiance of the airport can help you with ideas. There may be news on new TSA regulations or the new food court that you would like to share with others. It doesn’t matter that you are not a travel content creator. I have met an architect who has seen a new design at the airport and started drawing or coming up with a concept they would like to try in their work. If you are a student or a business professional with a deadline, you can use the lengthy travel time to work on those projects. That way, you will be productive and distract yourself from the fatigue of sitting on a plane for too long.

5. Sleep

Another great thing to do during a 10-hour flight is sleep. I love to sleep on the plane. Due to my nervousness about flying, I would take a NyQuil twenty minutes before my flight to allow me to sleep through my flight. Sleeping is how I spend my time on a redeye flight. Most travelers sleep on the plane. However, I have difficulty sleeping during a morning or afternoon flight. 

Air travel can be a daunting experience for many people, especially if you are prone to anxiety or stress like me. Sleeping through the flight is one of the best ways to cope with these feelings and make the journey more bearable. Sleeping during a long flight is a great way to pass the time, but it can also help you relax and wake up feeling refreshed and energized because of the many benefits of having a good sleep.

However, the noise, turbulence, and cramped conditions can disturb you and prevent you from staying asleep. It’s essential to be prepared with the right gear, such as a neck pillow or eye mask, and to practice good sleep hygiene by avoiding caffeine and alcohol before the flight. With planning and preparation, sleeping on a plane is a great way to spend your 10-hour flight and make air travel more enjoyable and less stressful.

6. Make a new Acquaintance!

Last but not least, one of the activities to do during a 10-hour flight is to make a new acquaintance. One of the ways I passed the time during my 10-hour flight to Greece was by talking to my seat neighbor. She was an American of Greek descent. Since it was my first time in Greece, she gave me travel tips on where and what to do, historical sights, and the local cuisines. She even acted as a mother figure during our flights. I had a minor cold during our fights and did not have time to grab every medication before my flight. When she saw that I was struggling during the trip, she offered me help. She gave me cough drops and called the flight attendant for water. Whenever I woke up, she checked on me to make sure I was okay or if I needed anything else. 

Making a friend is a great way to spend your time. The plane is a perfect place where we meet the unexpected. You can meet someone who may become a lover, a travel buddy, or a mentor. On the plane, there is a camaraderie that you can only find on a few occasions. Flying is one of the transportation methods that still makes people nervous, and everyone needs companionship. I met some of the best people on the plane. 

Longer flight times have become the norm. Flights that used to be seven or eight hours long are now about 10 hours or more, with long layovers and connecting flights. However, there are plenty of activities to do during a 10-hour flight that will make the time fly by. Whether it’s watching a movie, reading a book, catching up on work, or making a new acquaintance, there are endless possibilities to keep you entertained and engaged during your flight. These activities will make your flight more enjoyable and help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to take on your adventure.

In conclusion, traveling on a long flight can be a manageable experience. Instead, view it as an opportunity to relax, catch up on your favorite movies, or connect with a new friend. With the right mindset and a few engaging activities, you can make the most of your time in the air and arrive at your destination feeling energized and ready to explore.

In the comment box below, please share your other advice on how you spend your time on a long flight. 

Until your next flight, 

Have a safe journey!