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, and I had a long flight. 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 quickly I could recover to be fully present during the meetings. Hence, I started jotting down activities I could do to keep myself relaxed, happy, and awake during the 10-hour flight.
Surviving a 10-Hour Flight
Today, longer flights and long layovers are inevitable. With longer travel times and layovers, finding activities during a 10-hour flight is necessary. These activities will give you everything you need to ensure a smooth flight for 10 hours. Activities include entertainment, productivity, rest, and socializing.
- Watch a Movie
The number one thing I do when I get on a flight is 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 the ones I prefer to watch on 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 especially helpful for stressed people on 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.
- 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 enjoy listening 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.
- Catch up on Work
Another way people pass the time during a 10-hour flight is to catch up on work. If you are traveling for business or school, you may need to do some work. 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 business traveler. During our flight, he was working on a report he needed to present upon landing 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 for me in the past, especially when the flight is smooth.
- Work on your Project
As a travel blogger, I get most of my travel ideas from flights. 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. As noted in 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 airport’s ambiance can spark 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 met an architect who saw a new design at the airport and started drawing or developing 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.
- 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 NyQuil 20 minutes before my flight to help me sleep through it. 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, and it can also help you relax and wake up feeling refreshed and energized, thanks to the many benefits of a good night’s sleep.
However, noise, turbulence, and cramped conditions can disturb you and keep you from falling 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 make your 10-hour flight more enjoyable and less stressful.
- Make a new Acquaintance!
Last but not least, one activity during a 10-hour flight is making a new acquaintance. One way I passed the time during my 10-hour flight to Greece was by talking to my seatmate. She was an American of Greek descent. Since it was my first time in Greece, she gave me travel tips on where to go and what to do, historical sights, and local cuisine. She even acted as a mother figure during our flights. I had a minor cold during our fight 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 friends 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 you can only find on rare occasions. Flying is one of the modes of transportation 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 7 or 8 hours long are now 10 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!
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