Stay Entertained Above The Clouds
You finally settle into your seat, switch to airplane mode, and realize—no Wi-Fi. Suddenly, your phone feels more like a dead weight than a lifeline. But boredom doesn’t have to win at 35,000 feet. There’s plenty your phone can do without a single bar of signal. Rather than counting down the minutes until you touch down, check out twenty surprisingly fun things to try midair—you'll actually look forward to the flight.
1. Read Downloaded Ebooks
Download your favorite ebooks before boarding, then enjoy some peaceful reading time in airplane mode. Your phone becomes a cozy mini library where you can change font sizes, switch backgrounds, highlight key lines, and jot down notes.
2. Listen To Saved Playlists
Spotify and Apple Music let you save albums offline before takeoff, so you're covered for hours. Your entire music collection sits ready to play without any buffering or connectivity drama. Just plug in your headphones and let your favorite songs carry you through the flight while you zone out and watch clouds drift by below.
3. Play Offline Mobile Games
Some games don't need internet at all, which makes them perfect for flights. Monument Valley has these beautiful puzzles that actually relax you. Alto's Odyssey lets you snowboard through pretty scenery without thinking too hard. They're simple enough to enjoy but interesting enough to kill serious time.
4. Organize Your Photo Gallery
Flight time’s perfect for fixing that messy photo collection. Your phone’s gallery app lets you favorite, delete, and rearrange photos offline, helping you create neat albums and clear out duplicates. It’s an easy way to relive memories and free up space.
5. Write Or Journal In A Notes App
Flights are ideal for a little quiet reflection. Notes apps like Apple Notes or Google Keep make journaling simple—even offline. You can write or make lists, and everything syncs automatically when you land. It’s also a creative therapy.
6. Edit Pre-Recorded Videos
Turn flight time into editing time with apps like iMovie or InShot. Trim takeoff clips, mix in your best travel shots, add a few effects, and you’ve got a ready-to-share video by landing. Your next post might just start midair.
7. Do A Language Lesson On A Language App
Wi-Fi-free flights don’t have to stop your progress. With Duolingo or Babbel, you can download full lessons in advance and practice vocabulary and pronunciation through fun games and quizzes. It’s an easy way to stay sharp while traveling.
8. Review Offline Travel Guides
Downloaded travel guides or PDFs let you explore your destination without internet. Flip through city maps, restaurant tips, or hidden gems. It’s like carrying a personal tour guide in your pocket, which gives you inspiration for your trip while passing the time at 35,000 feet.
9. Practice Meditation On A App
Flying can make anyone tense, but meditation apps like Calm and Headspace offer relief. They let you download sessions before takeoff, from quick breathing guides to full relaxation tracks. It’s the perfect way to unwind mid-flight.
10. Watch Pre-Downloaded Movies Or Series
Grab a few episodes or movies from Netflix before takeoff and you've got your own mini theater going. Everything plays perfectly without Wi-Fi, subtitles work fine, and you can binge that show you've been meaning to catch up on. Beats staring at the seat in front of you for hours.
11. Sketch Or Doodle In A Drawing App
A long flight can actually spark creativity. Drawing apps like Adobe Fresco and SketchBook turn your phone into a peaceful digital canvas. You can doodle offline—exploring new ideas until you’re ready to share your masterpieces after landing.
12. Customize Your Home Screen
Tired of the same phone setup? Flight time’s perfect for a refresh. Rearrange apps, create folders, swap wallpapers, and add widgets—all offline. You’ll land with a phone that feels brand new and perfectly organized.
13. Practice Mental Math With A Calculator App
Calculator apps don't need internet, so they're perfect for keeping your brain sharp mid-flight. Run through some quick calculations or figure out your vacation budget. It sounds a bit nerdy, but it actually makes time pass faster. Plus, you'll feel like you accomplished something useful instead of just sitting there zoning out.
14. Plan Your Budget Or Trip Using A Spreadsheet App
Spreadsheet apps like Excel and Google Sheets work great offline once files are downloaded. You can plan trips or build simple itineraries midair. With color coding and neat formatting, it’s easy to stay organized even without Wi-Fi.
15. Build A Travel Wishlist
Open your notes app and start listing places that spark your curiosity. Jot down restaurants you've heard about, hiking trails people rave about, or random experiences that sound cool. It's basically daydreaming with purpose, and you're already traveling anyway. Might as well plan the next adventure.
16. Read Saved News Articles Or Blog Posts
Reading apps like Pocket or Instapaper make flying more interesting. Save your favorite articles before boarding, then read and highlight them without needing the internet. You’ll land feeling informed and refreshed—no internet needed for a good dose of entertainment.
17. Plan Meal Ideas Or Recipes
Use offline recipe apps to browse meals, organize ingredients, or brainstorm weekly menus. Flight time can turn into productive culinary planning, giving you fresh ideas and organized shopping lists ready for when you touch down.
18. Work On Writing Drafts
Flights are perfect for catching up on writing. Apps like Microsoft Word or Google Docs (set to offline) let you draft and edit midair. You can stay productive without Wi-Fi and sync everything once you reconnect on the ground.
19. Listen To Podcasts Or Audiobooks
Downloaded podcasts and audiobooks are lifesavers when you're stuck offline. Save a few episodes ahead of time. You can also set a timer if you want to doze off. It's like having a friend tell you stories the whole way there.
20. Create A Vision Board Or Mood Board In A Collage App
Long flights don’t have to drain your creativity. Open a collage app and start crafting a vision board. Drag in photos, add text or stickers, and design your dream goals. Save your creation as portable inspiration you can revisit anytime.
