Flying solo as a solo traveler can sometimes feel like you’re trapped in a floating waiting room, only with less legroom and far more pretzels. Sure, you’ve got a seat, maybe a tiny screen in front of you, and a snack that could double as a coaster. But what then? After the novelty of takeoff wears off, and you’ve peeked at the clouds for the seventh time, what are you supposed to do with all that time?
Well, more than you think.
Here’s the thing: long flights can be more than just a countdown to your destination. They can be surprisingly rich, even productive, if you know how to spend your hours up in the air. Whether you’re chasing wanderlust across continents or flying two hours to see a friend, this little stretch of time above the clouds doesn’t have to be a void.
So buckle up — figuratively and literally — because here are some of the most compelling, offbeat, and oddly satisfying ways to pass the time on a plane, especially if you’re flying solo.
Cue the Curiosity: Watch Something Weirdly Specific
Most people default to the latest blockbuster or binge a comfort show they’ve already seen three times. Nothing wrong with that. But here’s a thought — why not go hyper-niche? Documentaries about Icelandic horses? Retro Japanese game shows? A French rom-com from the ’90s?
When else do you have this perfect storm of uninterrupted hours and zero guilt about ignoring texts? You’re unreachable. Use it.
Download something unexpected from Netflix or MUBI before you board. And if you’re into audio instead, “Radiolab” or “Criminal” podcast episodes hit differently at 30,000 feet.
Write Something, Even If You’ll Never Show It to Anyone
You don’t have to be a writer to write. Pull out your Notes app, a travel journal, or an old-school Moleskine and let your brain wander. Jot down weird dreams, sketch out trip ideas, or just ramble.
Some people get oddly poetic on planes. There’s something about being suspended in the sky, untethered from the internet, that makes thoughts feel weightier. Maybe it’s the altitude. Or maybe it’s just the lack of notifications.
If nothing else, write a letter to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while — your future self counts too.
Pretend You’re in a Floating Office
This won’t appeal to everyone, but hear me out. If you’re the kind of traveler who gets a weird sense of peace from checking off to-do lists (hey, no judgment), then bring work on board.
Draft those emails you’ve been dreading. Outline a blog post. Sort your inbox like a digital Marie Kondo. Just make sure everything you need is available offline — airplane Wi-Fi has the confidence of a startup and the performance of dial-up.
Bonus: You’ll land feeling smugly productive. And isn’t that the real currency of adulthood?
Play Games That Don’t Feel Like a Waste of Time
We’re not talking about Candy Crush or Flappy Bird circa 2013 (though no shade if that’s your jam). Instead, try games that make you feel like you’re doing something with your brain:
- Sudoku or logic puzzles: A classic.
- Slots at the casino online: A fun way to earn some extra for a more satisfying travelling experience.
- Wordle archives: Yes, there are entire archives.
- Chess apps: Even if you’re terrible, there’s something satisfying about trying to beat an AI.
- Language games: Duolingo offline packs can be gold. Especially if you’re flying to a place where you don’t speak the language.
It’s like brain yoga.
Get Unusually Comfortable
Let’s not pretend that the coach is comfortable. But you can hack comfort. A little preparation goes a long way.
Neck pillow? Sure. But also:
- Compression socks (they’re not just for your grandma)
- A big scarf that doubles as a blanket
- Noise-canceling headphones—possibly the greatest invention since in-flight gin
- Face mist or moisturizer to fight off that Sahara-level cabin air
The goal? Trick your body into thinking this is a cozy cocoon and not a seat that barely reclines.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of a tiny ritual: brushing your teeth mid-flight or changing into soft socks. It tells your brain, “Hey, we’re good. You can relax now.”
Go Full Zen: Meditate or Just Breathe Intentionally
You don’t need to be a yogi or carry crystals in your carry-on. But if you’ve ever wanted to try meditation — or just sit quietly and not think about your packed schedule — now’s the time.
Try apps like Headspace or Insight Timer (they both offer offline meditations). Or just close your eyes and count your breaths for a few minutes. The hum of the engine becomes oddly calming, and for a moment, your brain takes a breather.
You might even land a little more grounded than you were when you took off.
People-Watch (Subtly) and Create Backstories
Solo travel often sharpens your observation skills, and planes? They’re a goldmine. Who is that person wearing business attire and flip-flops? What’s the story behind the elderly woman reading a graphic novel?
Make up stories. Whole lives. Give them names and quirks and drama. It’s like writing fiction without writing. And it makes time fly — pun fully intended.
Just, you know, don’t stare. That gets awkward fast.
Organize Your Digital Life
Ever scrolled through your phone and thought, “Why do I have 12 screenshots of the same meme?” Or, “When did I take a photo of a parking garage in Cleveland?”
Use the offline time to clean the house.
- Delete blurry photos
- Clear out old downloads
- Organize notes or files
- Back up those photos you keep meaning to
It’s oddly satisfying. Like decluttering a closet but way less sweaty.
Plan the Unexpected or the Slightly Ridiculous
Instead of just mapping out your itinerary, why not brainstorm something more… spontaneous?
- A list of odd museums to visit
- Restaurants with weird but amazing Yelp reviews
- Places where locals hang out at 10am on a Tuesday
- Something you’ve never tried but always said you would
You’ve got time and altitude on your side. Let your brain wander. You might just land with a plan that beats the usual tour guide fare.
So, What’s the Secret?
Here’s the twist: it’s not really about passing the time. It’s about using this rare window of uninterrupted solitude — no meetings, no notifications, no doorbells — to do something just for you. Whether that’s productive, reflective, totally goofy, or beautifully pointless… Well, that’s your call.
You’re floating through the sky in a metal tube. That alone is still pretty wild when you think about it. So why not make the most of it?
Even if all you do is snack, watch a movie, and fall asleep mid-thought — that counts too. The magic is in knowing that for a few sweet hours, time is yours. Use it however you want.
And when you land? Maybe you’ll be a little more rested, a little more inspired, or at least have fewer memes in your camera roll. That’s a win in our book.
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