In-flight entertainment can become a drag, especially if you’re a frequent flier. There are only so many times you can watch Titanic or listen to The Best of Madonna’s hits.
Getting shut-eye isn’t possible. The passenger behind you keeps bumping your seat. And you have a few more hours stuck in a tin can with crying kids and snoring grandads. Oh, what to do?
Believe it or not, there are activities you can do to keep boredom at bay. Below, we’ll discuss creative hobbies you can do on your long-haul flight.
It’s all Yarn to Me
Knitting has gained popularity in recent years. The creative pastime is a relaxing outlet for people wanting to keep busy without much fuss.
British diver Tom Daley sent tongue-wagging when he was pictured sitting on the stands, armed with knitting needles while watching the Paris Olympics. Not only did he win silver, he managed to knit an entire cardigan during the Games.
The dad of two first took up the hobby in 2020 while taking a break from diving. Daley’s partner Dustin Lance Black then suggested knitting and crocheting. Four years in, the Olympic athlete continues to bless his fans with knitting patterns on social media.
Crocheting vs knitting: that’s the next question for avid knitters. Not to be confused with knitting, crocheting only uses one crochet hook needle. It’s just as rewarding and the versatility lets you create intricate lace designs with crochet stitches.
The craft is enjoying a massive following. Taylor Swift’s famous crochet fabric dress sent fans into a tizz when she wore the outfit with Gucci heels on a dinner date with Travis Kelce earlier this year. The colorful ensemble was the envy of fashionistas, with many clamoring for the dress.
Made by Aussie brand VRG GRL, the $120 dress was immediately sold out, forcing Swifties to search for crocheting tutorials on YouTube.
Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds is also a crocheting devotee. During an X (formerly Twitter) exchange with a fan, he said: “And I can guarantee you I don’t just sit around crocheting either.”
Many people who take up knitting as a hobby, crochet as well for the sheer joy of it. As a beginner, Supply My Hobby suggests exploring what you want your finished product to be and then deciding on one or the other.
Reading Between the Lines
A study by Cathay Pacific revealed how travelers occupied their time during long flights. Three in five passengers surveyed said they used the in-flight entertainment to watch a movie or catch up on a TV series.
Forty-six percent chose to read. The airline noted that one could finish the first two Harry Potter books on a flight from London to Hong Kong.
Reading is such a popular hobby for long-haul flights that Conde Nast Traveler compiled a reading list of books to finish on a 13-hour flight. From coming-of-age novels to chilling thrillers, the publication says you’re bound to find something that’s a page-turner.
Color Me Bad
Adult coloring books give your brain a break from overthinking, explains BRIT & Co.
Licensed therapist Dr Caroline Fenkel tells the online publication that coloring books are good for mental health, reducing stress and anxiety. Like meditation, coloring forces us to focus our minds and can be a form of mindfulness.
You can focus as little or as much as you like. All you do is fill in shapes and colors between the lines. It’s a relaxing and calming feeling because it allows you to pause and slow down, adds Dr Fenkel.
Plug In and Zone Out
For those who prefer audio stimulation, there are podcasts. The content that’s out there will blow your mind. You’ll be spoiled for choice. Whether you’re a history buff or conspiracy theorist, you’ll get lost in a wormhole of information overload.
Be wise when picking a series or episode. For instance, true crime is having a moment in podcasting so be wary about the information you choose to digest, unless you’re a fan of hearsay and controversy.
Travel Tales by AFR is an easy-listening jewel. Concentrating on transformative travel, the podcast features a new guest every week who explains how a trip changed their lives.
Another podcast worth a listen is National Park After Dark. Hosted by besties Danielle and Cassie, the series talks about true stories occurring in U.S. national parks, from the horrific to the mysterious.
Whether you’re crocheting, knitting or coloring books, there’s bound to be a hobby that tickles your fancy. The best part is that you don’t have to be on a flight to do any of them.