July and August are, without a doubt, the quintessential vacation months. Consequently, the number of flights increases exponentially. In July, Enaire recorded over 240,000 flights in Spain, 3.5% more than in July of last year, and August is expected to see similar or even higher numbers. Travel doesn’t begin when you reach your destination—it starts the moment you board the mode of transport that takes you there and ends when you open your front door at home. That’s why, if you choose to travel by plane, it’s important to find ways to stay entertained in the air. There are plenty of things you can do on a flight… and a few that are especially recommended to make your round-trip journey more enjoyable.
8 Ways to Stay Entertained While Flying
If you’re preparing for your outbound or return trip, it’s always useful to check this list and have a few options ready, especially if you’ll be flying for several hours.
1. Don’t start that movie or series just yet!
You’ve spent the whole year trying to find the time to watch that movie or series your friends have recommended over and over—but everyday life always got in the way. Now is the perfect moment! Download it and watch it on the plane: time will (pun intended) fly by.
2. Podcasts for every taste
Do you enjoy comedy podcasts, educational content, or ones that guide you through meditation or mindfulness? On a flight, you can focus enough to absorb information from educational podcasts, laugh along with the funniest ones, or relax with meditation guides. Our tip: make a list of the topics that interest you most, with a total duration equal to or longer than your flight. You won’t run out of podcasts, trust us!
3. Learn the language of your destination
We’re not suggesting you learn an entire language in a few hours—we’re not that naive. But why not immerse yourself a little in the language of the country or region you’re visiting and learn the basics? Ordering from a menu, asking for the check, greeting people, and saying thank you are small gestures that locals will appreciate and that will enhance your communication and travel experience. Language apps, podcasts, or a simple travel dictionary can be very useful.
4. A notebook and pen work wonders
A Moleskine-style notebook and a pen (or pencil, or fountain pen) are excellent companions on a flight. You can jot down a list of places you want to visit, purchases you plan to make, or, if you’re creatively inclined, ideas for a story or novel, a short haiku, or even sketches. Many of these things can be done digitally, but isn’t there a certain charm in pen and paper?
5. Puzzles: the classics that never die
Puzzle books are a timeless source of entertainment. From crosswords and word searches found in many airport stores to newer magazines with more varied activities—like anxiety-relief exercises or mandalas for coloring—there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget your colored pencils!
6. Reading, always reading
What entertains you more: a book or a magazine? If you choose a book, pick one of those page-turners—a mystery, an exciting romance, or a sci-fi adventure.
7. Board games
If you love board games and your travel companions do too, a small game can fill hours of your flight. Some games consist of nothing more than a deck of cards with questions or riddles, and their gameplay is surprisingly fun. Just make sure the number of players matches your group before packing it.
8. Staying entertained on Iberia flights
Don’t forget that our fleet offers several ways to enhance your in-flight experience: Bluetooth connectivity to stream content to your screen, a catalog of entertainment provided by the airline, games for one or more players, digital newspapers… Even if you didn’t prepare, you won’t be bored!
Other Things You Should Do to Improve Your Flight Experience
Beyond entertainment, small habits can make your flight far more comfortable. A short flight is barely noticeable, but on flights of three hours or more:
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Walk and stretch. On long-haul flights, it’s recommended to walk every so often (at least every two hours). Stretching will also help prevent leg swelling.
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Stay hydrated. Cabin air is very dry, so drink water frequently. Also, keep a moisturizer for your face and body to maintain skin hydration.
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Keep a relaxation kit handy. A neck pillow, earplugs, and even a sleep mask can be your refuge when fatigue hits. Or, instead of earplugs, use headphones, some relaxing music, and… sleep!
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Be courteous to fellow passengers—and the crew. They are there to help you with any issues that arise