Did You Miss Your Flight Because of The Da Vinci Code?
There’s no better way to kill time before a flight than heading to the airport bookstore and picking up the latest engrossing thriller or romance novel. This has become so commonplace that “airport novels” have become their own genre, with authors like Dan Brown and John Grisham leading the way. Here are the 20 most popular airport novels of all time.
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1. The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown’s historical fiction thriller was a global phenomenon upon release. Its mix of mystery, clue-hunting, and history made it a true page-turner. This could be the poster book for airport novels.
Timothy E Baldwin on Wikimedia
2. The Firm
John Grisham punched out a few airport novels in his day, but none as big as The Firm. The story follows an idealistic young lawyer in Memphis who discovers that the firm he works for is tied to organized crime. Propelled by moral dilemmas, suspense, action, and crime elements, it was a must-read for travellers.
3. The Hunt for Red October
This Cold War submarine thriller was Tom Clancy’s debut novel, and airport readers had no problem launching him into literary stardom. The military detail engrossed readers, and the cat-and-mouse tension elevated it above other popular thrillers that were released around the same time.
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4. Along Came a Spider
James Patterson’s literary detective, Alex Cross, was introduced in this chilling psychological thriller. The story revolves around a kidnapping and murder case where Cross is forced to outsmart a brilliantly sadistic criminal. This bestseller launched a long-running series.
Susan Solie-Patterson on Wikimedia
5. Airport
The quintessential airport novel, Airport is set over a tense 24 hours at a busy Chicago airport. The multiple plotlines, including a potential plane disaster, helped traveling readers easily pass the time while their flights were delayed.
6. The Bourne Identity
Robert Ludlum’s writing is perfect for reading at the airport or on a flight. His protagonist is Jason Bourne, an amnesiac spy hunted by assassins. Its blend of espionage, tension, and action made it widely popular among travellers, and hard to keep on airport bookstore shelves.
7. The Pelican Brief
Another Grisham classic, The Pelican Brief, follows a law student whose legal brief connects the assassination of two Supreme Court justices to political powers. Grisham’s trademark legal intrigue and suspense made reading it from cover to cover on a plane easy.
8. Misery
Stephen King’s Misery is part of the psychological horror canon and a true masterpiece. It follows a novelist who is rescued from a car accident by his “number one fan” only to discover the depth of her obsession and depravity. King’s writing tapped into our fear of isolation and turned Misery into arguably his most enduring work.
9. The Notebook
Nicholas Sparks offered travellers a departure from airport thrillers. The Notebook is one of the most beloved romance novels of all time, and remains an airport bookstore staple. It tells the story of two young lovers who are separated by class, but reunited later in life.
10. The Exorcist
William Peter Blatty’s novel is one of the most famous works of horror of all time, and has been a popular airport novel since the ‘70s. Its mix of psychological terror, religious critique, and shocking moments made a lot of travellers scared to fly at night.
11. Outlander
Diana Gabaldon’s novel is an intoxicating blend of romance, historical fiction, and sci-fi. It’s a cross-genre phenomenon about a 1940s nurse who magically travels to 18th-century Scotland, where she has a sweeping romance with a Highland warrior. Be careful while reading, or you might swoon all the way from first class to coach.
12. The Shining
This seminal horror novel portrays a descent into madness that will be relatable to anyone waiting out a delayed flight. The supernatural elements appealed to travellers who might have been looking for an escape before their escape.
13. Fifty Shades of Grey
E.L. James exploded onto the scene with her modern romantic drama bestseller. Fifty Shades of Grey blends erotica, romance, and a story that resonated with its mostly female audience. For airport readers, it was the ultimate guilty pleasure.
14. Shogun
James Clavell’s epic novel set in 17th-century Japan follows an English navigator who is shipwrecked and then drawn into the unforgiving and complex world of samurai politics. Its story delved into history, culture, and romance, creating a sprawling journey for airport readers.
15. Me Before You
Jojo Moyes’ romance novel about an unexpected relationship between a caregiver and a wealthy man left paralyzed after an accident, was the tear-jerker that many travellers craved. It’s bittersweet and emotional climax probably made for a few embarrassing moments during take-off.
16. Angels & Demons
Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons thrusts Robert Langdon and his millions of fans into another Rome-set adventure, as he races to stop the Illuminati from destroying Vatican City. Airport readers loved the fast pace and vivid settings, and, of course, Brown’s trademark short chapters.
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17. Gone Girl
Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl was a literary sensation that redefined the psychological thriller and made us question how much we can trust a narrator. With alternating narrators and a shocking mid-book twist, Gone Girl mesmerized airport readers who were glued to the page and also hoping that the movie adaptation was part of the in-flight entertainment.
18. Jurassic Park
No author blends science, adventure, and suspense like Michael Crichton. Jurassic Park dominated airport bookstore shelves for years thanks to its highly addictive plot and premise.
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19. The Girl on the Train
Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train was an airport bookstore mainstay, and beloved by readers looking to quench their thirst for another Gone Girl. This psychological suspense thriller used intertwining timelines and an unreliable narrator to unravel a mystery that pulled in airport readers.
20. The Silence of the Lambs
Thomas Harris’s FBI thriller introduced the world to the deliciously evil Hannibal Lecter, and was the book that everyone was reading while waiting to board. Its characters and tension made for a compelling read, even on the longest and most cramped flights.
