Before eighth grade, traveling was never part of my routine. My spring breaks were usually spent at neighborhood sleepovers and in the cold Michigan weather rather than at airports. That changed during high school, when travel became more common as members of family no longer lived as close to one another. Even now. I can still count on two hands the number of times I have flown, but those trips have come with a surprising range of airport experiences, including missing a flight and even hitchhiking to the airport. Spending time navigating airports and long flights gradually changed the way I approach travel. Over time, I developed a routine that helps long flights feel more manageable and keeps the hour in the air from feeling endless.
Netflix Movies
One of the most reliable ways I pass the time on a long flight is by downloading movies from Netflix before leaving for the airport. I usually take a few minutes the night before a trip to choose movies or shows that I have been wanting to watch but never have the time for at home. Once I am on the plane and have settled into my seat, putting on a movie helps create a sense of familiarity and comfort in a space that can otherwise be cramped and anxiety-inducing. It allows me to fully focus on something entertaining while the hours pass. Sometimes I end up watching a completely new movie or television show, and other times I rewatch my favorite films because it calms my nerves. Either way, having those downloads ready makes the flight feel less like waiting and more like a time set aside to unwind.
Coloring Pages
Growing up, art was always one of the most meaningful parts of my life, which is why I always make sure to bring a coloring book with me. It may seem simple, but it has become one of my favorite ways to spend time in the air. After staring at a screen for a while, it feels refreshing to switch to something more creative and hands-on. Coloring gives me something to focus on that is quiet and repetitive in a calming way. The small motions and attention to detail help me relax, especially during a long stretch of the flight when there is not much else happening. It also helps break up the trip into different activities so the time does not blur together. If the silence is boring when coloring, watching the show while doing this activity is also a great option to mix things up from just staring at a screen.
Books
As someone who never chooses to read in their free time, I always make sure to pack a book in my bag. Flights provide uninterrupted time that is hard to find in everyday life, and reading helps me take advantage of that. The movement of people shifting around and babies crying is never easy to block out, but once I get into my story, those distractions instantly fade into less noticeable noise. Sometimes I end up reading far more than I expected simply because there is nothing else in demand of my attention. Bringing a book makes the flight feel calmer, turning travel time into an opportunity to slow down and enjoy something I might otherwise put off.
Over time, I have learned that having a routine makes long flights much easier to manage. Watching downloaded movies, coloring, and reading help keep me comfortable during an anxiety-ridden flight. With these simple activities, a long flight can become a time to unwind instead of something to dread.
