How to pass the time on a long flight

Long flights are a strange mix of boredom and tiredness, often with unreliable or paid Wi-Fi. The flights that pass quickly are the ones you prepare a little for: downloaded entertainment, a rough plan for sleep, and a few things to do with your body as well as your mind.

Practical preparation, then offline games for iPhone, with a section for games rising by visits on the Censuus ranking. Check that each game and film works without a connection before you board.

Games rising by visits and sponsorship on Censuus

Younger puzzle and word games from independent developers; check that each one plays offline before you fly:

Ranked by visit traffic and sponsorship on Censuus, not editorial opinion. The list changes as new apps appear and gain traffic.

Download everything first

In-flight Wi-Fi may be slow, paid or missing. Before you leave home, download films, playlists, podcasts, books and games. Then put your phone in airplane mode and open each one to make sure it works offline.

Mix short and long

Alternate a film with a short puzzle or word game, a chapter of a book, or writing in a journal. Short games are ideal between meals and announcements, when you cannot settle into a film.

Plan sleep and power

Try to sleep when it is night at your destination. Bring headphones, an eye mask and a charged power bank where airline rules allow. For trips you want to remember, see how to plan a trip itinerary.

Look after your body

Stand, stretch and walk the aisle when you can, and drink water. A little movement makes the time pass and helps you arrive feeling better. Compare games in offline games for iPhone.

Compared from each developer’s own store description.
Prepare	What to do	Why
Download before boarding	films, music, books, games	no Wi-Fi needed
Mix activities	games, films, reading, writing	time moves faster
Plan sleep	align with your destination	less jet lag
Keep power	charged devices and a power bank	no dead phone mid-flight
Move	stretch, walk the aisle, drink water	feel better on arrival

Frequently asked questions

What can I do on a long flight without Wi-Fi?

Watch downloaded films, play offline games, read, listen to downloaded music or podcasts, write, sleep and stretch.

How do I make a long flight go faster?

Mix activities, plan sleep around your destination’s time, keep devices charged and move regularly.

How do I know a game works offline?

Turn on airplane mode at home and open it. If it plays, it should work on the plane.