by C.J. Dawson

Created on: January 28, 2009

We've all heard the many ways to pass the time on a flight: bring a book, laptop, watch a movie, take a nap, and so on. These are the average, everyday, run-of-the-mill type of things that can encourage even more boredom on the plane. Just the thought of being confined in a metal tube above the ground and the only entertainment is a book or a movie can make it almost unbearable. These really amuse some and make the time flypun definitely intended. But why not try something a little different next time you are flying somewherewhether that trip is a measly hour or a days-worth of traveling.

Treat your tray table as a springboard. See how high you can get your airline peanut while having it land back on the tray. Heck, have a contest with the person next to you to see who can get the most air. And as a disclaimer: You should only do this if no one is sitting in front of you because this can be VERY annoying and encourage in-air brawls. And unless that is how you like to pass your time, it is a situation you definitely want to avoid. Have a staring contest with someone who is sleeping near you. Ok. So maybe it isn't really a contest. But just see how long it takes them to wake up while someone is staring at them intently. And a word to the wise: stop staring if they wake up. Write an adventure story where you are the main character. Make it kooky, side-splitting, or intense, but either way have fun with this and it could help you pass the time a little easier. See how fast you can speed-walk to the bathroom and back to your seat. I say speed-walk because running can get a little distracting to other passengers. Keep track of your time and try to beat your record. This works great with multiple people taking turns. Also, you might want to consider spacing out these "races"; people may get the wrong idea if they see you going to the bathroom in a hurry every few minutes. Not good for plane morale, that's for sure. Write a secret note to the next person that will sit in your seat. Place it somewhere where the next person will find it but the cleaning crew between flights won't. Try placing it in the first few pages of the in-flight magazine. And don't say something about a bomb or terrorist act. Seriously. Just don't.

The main thing to do to pass the time is to be creative, have fun, and try not to annoy people. If you can do these thingsand even better if you can do them all at onceyour flight will be quick and entertaining.

Learn more about this author, C.J. Dawson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.