Air travel may be the ultimate convenience for people who have to go long distances, but it can also be extremely boring, tedious and nerve-wracking. It all starts when you arrive at the airport (probably two hours before departure). Why two hours? Because, ever since the tragedy of 9/11, security measures at all airports have been greatly enhanced. And now, it takes quite a bit of time to pass through security and to get to the area where your plane is being boarded.

You may already be stressed out and a little tired by the time you reach your seat. Now, if you’re departing from a busy airport, your plane may have to wait its turn on the runway before it is cleared to take off. That’s more tedium and stress, two things you don’t need.

Once your plane takes off and reaches its proper altitude and cruising speed, drinks and snacks are offered by airplane personnel (stewards and stewardesses). It’s a busy time and it makes it still difficult to relax and actually enjoy your time in the air.

That time quickly follows after drinks have been served. And now  you can do the things you like to do when you fly great distances, things that allow you to amuse and entertain yourself for the next few hours. Here is the list of just some things you can do to entertain yourself.

Reading

Many airline passengers bring a hard-or-soft-cover book along with them when traveling for a couple of hours or more. If the book is interesting, it will enable you to divorce yourself from your surroundings and completely forget that you’re stuck on a plane when you’d rather be almost anywhere else.

Listening Music

Pop on a pair of headphones, lean back in your seat, close your eyes, and enjoy your favorite music. It’s a great way to lose yourself in the sounds filling your ears and pass the time quickly. Music “soothes the savage beast” and it also makes time pass much more quickly.

Watching Movies

If your flight is long enough, you will probably get the chance to watch a current movie. This is an excellent way to have two hours pass by quickly, two hours that, when they are over, will leave you much closer to your destination.

Close your eyes and sleep

This is the best way to “entertain yourself” when flying to a destination for business or pleasure. Once a plane takes off and reaches its cruising speed, the chatter in the plane quiets down and many people try to take a nap. It works for most travelers and it can work for you. Try it, you will like it.

If you choose not to do any of the things listed here, you can always attempt to strike up a conversation – and on board friendship – with the person seated next to you.

Whatever you elect to do, one thing is absolutely certain: the method you choose to amuse and entertain yourself, no matter what it is, will help you pass your time in the air much more quickly.