Whether you’re off to see your love,
headed to vacation, or out on business…long flights suck; especially if you’re
not going anywhere but home. You spend hours in line at the airport for and
maybe even in the immigration department, probably got up at 4 or 5 in the morning, and drove a
few hours to get there. Now you have to sit in a crowded and loud plane for
hours. YAY! Here are some things you
can do to pass the time.
Read a book –
This is probably one of the most classic options anyone could consider, but
there must be a reason for that, right? So, I don’t like reading and I am one
to literally judge a book by its cover, but you should seriously consider this.
If you are a reader and have your own books you take with you, awesome. If not,
hit up a library before you leave or an airport bookstore (don’t worry, the
price usually isn’t any higher than at Borders or Barnes and Noble) while you’re
waiting for your flight to board.
A few trips ago the notion just hit
me as I walked passed a bookstore in the airport and I just went for it. I
picked up the first edition of 50 Shades of Grey and almost finished it by the
end of my flight. I hadn’t planned on it but I’d heard some things about it…and
it was there. And before I knew it, we touched down and I was half-heartedly
wishing we had another hour so I could finish it. Oh well!
Write – Even if
you’re not a writer or a blogger, it never hurts to get some thoughts down on
paper or on your laptop, cell phone, tablet, or iProduct (iPad, iPad Mini,
iPod, iPhone..yada yada). Before I had a blog or anything like that, I had an
exceptionally painful trip home after being with my fiancée for quite a while.
I didn’t have my iPod or a cell phone, so I grabbed a piece of paper from my
bag and wrote my feelings all over it, front to back. By the time I was done,
we had begun our initial descent and I was all cried out, and ready to get the
hell out of there and crawl into an empty bed. It helped pass the time and
really helped me get my emotions out of me before the trip was even over.
Listen to music – This is pretty self explanatory, and most people have means to listen to
music wherever they go. So before you board the plane, make sure you have
comfortable headphones/earbuds and an updated music list. Also, I’ve said so in
my earlier post, (How to Stay Happy While Being Apart), but I’ll reiterate…I LOVE Jason Mraz’ Mr. AZ album. Ever since
I started travelling his music has been with me and I never get on a plane
without listening to him. It’s kind of like my own tradition. And since an
entire album is around 30-40 minutes, you can see how it passes time quickly.
People-watch –
Okay, don’t be a creeper, first and foremost. But if you’re on a flight with
lively people it is very interesting to pay attention to conversations others
around you have, including the staff, and to see how they interact. Seasoned
travelers easily can pick out other seasoned travelers and the newbies, and
there is certainly nothing cruel about observing oddities out of anyone and
saving them to share with friends and family later. Everyone likes a good
travel story!
Talk – If you’re
a social person, take this opportunity to get to know someone. I’m serious. Be
friendly and introduce yourself to your row and strike up a conversation with
them. You’ll be surprised to learn about where they’re coming from and where
they’re going. You might find that you have things in common, and this person
might become a good connection for you in the future. Really good conversations could last all night,
and before you know it you’ll both be waiting at the luggage rack.
Just don’t be annoying. Really, if the person doesn't want to talk or gives you short answers, don't push. There's nothing more annoying than a neighbor who won't just shut the hell up when you're trying to do you own thing to pass the time.
Watch a movie –
Like listening to music…this is a no-brainer. If the airline is playing a movie
that interests you, go for it. If you have some movies on your laptop or for a
portable DVD player, put it on and enjoy!
Play a game –
If you have any kind of computer, tablet or device that loads games, seriously
go for it. Or, if you have a game book such as a sudoku or crossword puzzles,
crack them out and go to town. Anything that keeps your mind working and busy
can pass the time like there’s no tomorrow. My recommendations from the apple
store would be Angry Birds, Draw Something, Song Pop (you’ll need internet for
this one), Fruit Ninja, Great Solitaire, Tap Studio, Shape It, Hatchi and
Bloons.
Sleep – Again,
no brainer. Bring a nice soft blanket and pillow you can easily fit in your
carryon even if the airline offers a blanket and pillow for your flight…your
own are much better! Go for the eye mask to block out unwanted light and grab
some earplugs to block out the unwanted noise. Be careful though, because if
you are asleep the flight attendant won’t wake you up when she brings around
her treats.
Stay strong and love on!
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