Real Simple Tips for Long Flights

The other day a friend asked me for some ideas of things to do on a long flight. At first I was kind of dumbfounded. I mean, doesn't everyone pretty much do the same things? And who I am to give advice on a long flight when the longest one I've been on was about 4 hours or so?! 

Well, I started thinking about it, mainly because I actually have a pretty long flight coming up soon, too! I'll be flying to Hawaii. Luckily, I'm using Dallas as my midpoint and staying with my brother for a night on the way out and the way back home. I think that will help to break up the trip. But the flight from Dallas to Hawaii is still going to be loooong!! 

Via

I'm far from a techie. I don't own a smartphone, not to mention the fact that I don't even have texting capabilities! I do have a Kindle that I won in a work raffle a couple years ago, and I have my iPod. I plan to bring both of those with me, although it's hit or miss whether the Kindle will work on a plane. And just for your information, I never use my Kindle to read books. I use it as my mobile internet device!!

Anyway, since those are my only gadgets, here's what I plan to do on my long flight. 

1. Read a book or magazines.

2. Listen to my iPod.

3. Watch the in-flight entertainment.

4. Try to doze off a little bit.
5. Stretch and move as much as I can, even if I'm staying in my seat.

6. Make lists. Yes, lists. Lists of recipes I want to try, things I want to do or write about.

7. Plan out any last-minute details of the trip, like which part of town I want to check out first, what I want to eat, things I might want to buy, etc.

8. Sit back, relax and enjoy the flight and the fact that I'm not working!

9. Talk to some new people if anyone interesting is sitting beside me.

That last point isn't something I typically do. Usually, I hate talking on planes! Actually, let me clarify. I hate talking while the plane starts to land and the pressure is building up so badly in my ears that it feels like my head is going to explode and the sound of anyone's voice is going to set me off! But, you just never know who you're going to meet on a flight! Sometimes long-lasting relationships have been formed, and other times long-lasting hatred for whoever is resting their head on your shoulder happens instead.

Any other tips for things to do on a long flight? Please share!