Things to Do on Your Phone While You Wait to Fly 2025

Flying can be a tremendously boring experience, especially if you’re racking up thousands of air miles each year. Fortunately, the chances are good that you’re carrying with you a powerful means of crushing boredom, and perhaps even staying productive, while you’re in the air.

Whatever the reason you’re travelling, and however far you’re going, a mobile phone can be a powerful asset. But what exactly should you do with your time?

Play a Strategy or Puzzle Game

Certain kinds of game are a natural fit for the mobile phone format. Typically, these are slower-paced experiences that rely on thinking and strategy. The best mobile games also tend to be easy on the eye, which tends to mean a simple graphical style and an appealing colour palette.

The genre you prefer will dictate the games you choose. But it’s worth branching out, and exploring the various options available. If you want to decompress, then a planning-focused puzzler like Mini Metro or Monument Valley might be the way to do it. On the other hand, word and number games, like Sudoku or a wordsearch, might be perfect.

For those with a fondness for the classic compulsive casino experience, the appeal of Jackpot Slots might be difficult to discount, too. Just make sure that you’ve set clear spending limits before you take to the skies.

Sort and Declutter Your Phone

We’ve mentioned that a plane journey is an excellent chance to be productive. And there are few more productive uses of your time than a thorough declutter of your phone. Go through your photo history and delete everything that you don’t want to keep. Then do the same thing with your downloads folder, and your local apps. You might find that by the time you land, your phone is that little bit zippier and more responsive.

Watch Downloaded Shows or Movies

Streaming a new show is a great way to get through a long flight. If you’re going to be in the air for ten hours, and there are ten episodes to get through, then you’ll be able to easily tune out and lose yourself in fiction.

Make sure that you download all of your chosen media before you take to the sky – as trying to stream on a plane isn’t always practical.

Catch Up on Podcasts or Audiobooks

Similarly, there are millions of hours of audio content to get through. Whatever your personal tastes, the chances are that there’s an audiobook or podcast that will suit them. Simply put in a pair of earbuds, close your eyes, and lose yourself. Or, if you’re listening to nonfiction and you’d like to be able to retain the information you’re receiving, keep a notepad and pen handy.

Plan the First Day of Your Trip

Another great way to remain productive during the flight is to try to prepare for your destination. Make sure that you’ve done your research, and that you know exactly what restaurants you want to try, and what tourist attractions you want to visit. You might also brush up on the local language; you can practice some quick translations with the help of the right smartphone app.