Taking a trip which requires a long flight can make you more than a bit restless. Airplanes give little room to stretch your legs and you're pretty limited on space. When you're forced to sit in a seat for long periods of time it is easy to get fidgety. These long flights can be awfully tedious. If you've ever been stuck on a plane due to either a scheduled long flight or even a delay, you can appreciate how time can sometimes drag.
If you are a novice flyer you may get nervous about flying and as a result may neglect to give thought ways to pass the time on a flight until it is too late. Frequent flyers are typically old pros at long flights, but may find themselves tired of running through the same routines to stay occupied. After a while you can only read so many books and you may even fly more frequently than magazines are able to be published.
If you've been in either of these scenarios you know how maddening it can be to have nothing to do to pass the time and how this can increase anxiety even more. Whether you are an experienced or a novice flyer you'll want to give some thought ahead of time on some ways you can pass the time. This will help your flight be an easier and more comfortable one.
Here are a few tried and few stand-bys and some perhaps unconventional thoughts of ways to spend the long hours:
*A Tote Bag full of Reading Materials
Reading is one of the most popular ways people spend their time while on the plane. If you tote along a good book you can become immersed and the hours will pass quickly. Heavy duty reading isn't for everyone though and in that case some magazines or newspapers might be in order.
Even if you're bored of reading on numerous flights, it is always a good idea to bring along some periodicals or other interesting material to read. At least you'll feel more comfortable because you'll have this trusty standby.
*Nod Off and Get Some Sleep
Naps are a fantastic way to pass the time on a flight. If you can manage to doze in and out of sleep through the lulling of the plane's movement, the hours always seem to go by quicker. Some people are able to fall asleep easily and not awake until they hit ground and other people seem to fade in and out. Either way it is a good time passing technique.
If you usually don't get the chance to take cat naps due to a hectic schedule, flights are the perfect opportunity to catch up on those zzz's.
*Mp3, iPod or other Music Device
Music is a great way to keep your mind distracted. When you settle down in your seat with a pair of headphones you can lull yourself into tranquility with music.
One thing to remember - make sure you download enough music to hold your interest for extended periods of time. You might want to consider bringing songs from different genres to suit your mood and for a change of pace during your flight.
*Laptop
While you likely won't have access to the Internet in-flight you can still bring along the old trusty laptop. If you have a strong battery you can play computer games, get some documents written, or draft some e-mails you need to get out.
Another project you can get going on is developing that home budget you want to start but never seem to have the time. You can even spend an hour or so balancing your checkbook if you have your statements and financial software you use.
*Get Your Creative Juices Flowing
Do you like to write stories, articles or poetry? Perhaps you have an artistic side and you like to sketch and draw. Why not start your next creative project on your flight? If you write for a site like Helium.com you can outline or flesh out several articles on a long flight. Flights offer plenty of time to stimulate those creative juices and give you an opportunity to produce some good work.
*Word finds/Crossword puzzles
Word puzzles are another trusty old standby. If you enjoy these you can easily fill a few hours doing various puzzles and even if you don't have a passion for them, picking up a book of them at the airport newsstand can't hurt. You never know, you might find it relaxing.
*Work/Homework
If your boss has been on you over a deadline that is looming on the horizon, your long flight is a good time to put your mind to it and get a jump on the project to get ahead of the game. Being you are stuck on the flight anyway, it is a good opportunity to put the time to productive use; may even reduce your stress later.
Homework is another way to kill some time. Some of the best research papers can be written on long flights. Since you're strapped in a seat with no where to go, airline flights are a great place to concentrate and expand upon that paper you have due.
*Helping Kids Pass the Time
If you are traveling long distances with children, from past experience you know this can be more than a bit challenging. Once kids get over the initial excitement of flying, chances are you'll start hearing the "I'm bored" comments as they are ready to move onto something new.
The good news is you can easily alleviate this problem by packing a trusty "fun bag". Inside your bag make sure you are armed with plenty of goodies. Above all make sure you are stocked with snacks! It is a given that kids will get hungry, and often, while on a long flight.
Block or chunky puzzles are good for the younger kids because they fit perfectly on the fold-down serving trays. A favorite stuffed toy to cuddle or favorite dolls and action figures to play with are other good choices. Don't forget the coloring book and crayons! Also a few favored stories you can read to them is also a must bring.
For the older kids, an electronic music player is ideal because they tend to like lounge back and just zone out listening to music. Game-Boys and other electronic games are permitted, but keep in mind they are not usually allowed during take-off or landing. If you bring either of these devices, don't forget to toss extra batteries in your bag of tricks - just in case. Reading materials of favorite magazines or books is also a good idea.
Long flights can be tiring and make you restless. The good news is if you plan ahead of time there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself and/or the kids occupied for the hours you're in the sky. If you plan to bring several options, those long hours tend to pass by quickly and before you know it you'll be landing in your destination.