What do you do to pass the time on the plane?

[lisaes]

I usually read some trashy magazines (Star, Enquirer, etc.) or try to catch a few zzz's. This flight home, however, I passed the time by wondering when the inconsiderate dork in front of me was planning on unreclining her chair from my lap!

 

[Dopey Sharon]

Either watch a movie on my portable DVD player, play a handheld game...either Tetris or Poker, or read.

 

[inkkognito]

We used to bring the "sleeze" papers (as I like to call the Weekly World News, et. al.), and I've actually had other passengers ask me for them! Since I would usually leave them anyway, I've always been happy to oblige when I am done. For a dollar-something investment, I've brought amusement to myself and many fellow passengers on many flights.
Barb

 

[inmyis]

My DW and I like to play cribbage to help pass the time. This trip we brought a CD player and a splitter for our headsets. We brought a book on CD and it really passed the time. It also helped block out the drone of the engines. We listened to John Grisham's "Skipping Christmas", which is a funny book. It was only four hours so it got usdown and part way back.

 

[Bobb-O]

Not to beat the AM/FM issue to death and I am not throwing stones at all. Being as pax's rarely listen to pre-flight briefing anyway and the use of portable electronic devices is confusing this one would be easy to misunderstand, especially as some CD players also have a radio. To make it worse SWA sometimes mocks the pre-flight briefing ("yada yada ya" or "you know this anyway") which I find childish.

But bottom line is that it is illegal. Here is good link to explain it:

http://www.house.gov/transportation/aviation/hearing/07-20-00/frenzel.html

We must ask that you never use the following nonapproved equipment during flight: cellular phones, two-way pagers, radios (AM/FM or VHF), TV sets, remote-controlled games or toys, a cordless computer mouse, and commercial television cameras. These devices may interfere with the aircraft's communications and navigation systems."

 

[DVC Ian]

I guess with me it depends on the flight. If it's national I'm usually fine going though the American Way mag. a few times and the catalog. With the soft drinks and peanuts/pretezels and dozing off from time to time I'm usually set.

On international flights its all been on business in business class. I couldn't live withought the portable VHS player they provide

 

[PlutosFriend]

For my recent trip I bought a hand held Tetrus game Other than that, I bring magazines and tourist info, city maps so I know where I am going. I also like to try to take a little nap if possible. This past trip I sat by two guys each way that talked my ear off. I even had my eyes closed once and the one kept on and on LOL

 

[inkkognito]

Ah yes, the talkers!
People seem to love 'em or hate 'em. I don't have a strong opinion one way or the other, so I follow their lead. I won't start a conversation myself, but if they want to chat, then I will do so. I've had some really interesting and entertaining conversations while flying. It definitely makes the time go fast!
Often, we are in exit rows by the jumpseat, and the flight attendants have the best stories of all.
Barb

 

[erikthewise]

(1) Sing pirate songs!
"What do ya do with a drunken sailor?! What do ya do with a drunken sailor?! What do ya do with a drunken sailor?! Earleye in the morning!" And then there's "The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything" from VeggieTales!

(2) Play hand-held Yahtzee with the sound on.

(3) Blow up the air sickness bags and see if we can pop them.

(4) Get out the bubble soap and blow bubbles!

(5) Eat our homemade meal of spaghetti w/meatballs we brought on board. See how far down the aisle we can roll a meatball.

 

[Chicago526]

I read, listen to my cd player, watch the in flight movie if they have one and it's something worth while (doesn't happen that often, but once we got 'Master and Comander' and it really helped pass the time!). I'll also try to nap, but I dont' sleep well sitting up.

Since you have kids, you may want to invest in a portalbe DVD player. The cheapest run around $150, and you can use them for long car trips, too.

 

[gritzel4]

I make DH sit with DD4 and DS6 and I try to get as far away as possible while still remaining on the same plane. I do this so that I can enjoy the last quiet and peaceful 2 hours I will have for the duration of our vacation. If by bad luck I get a talker next to me I pretend to have a migraine in the hope that they will leave me alone.

 

[Kitty 34]

I usually read or look out the window.

 

[CAP Aircrew]

Fly the plane and talk to ATC. I find it passes the time away and gets us all there safely!

 

[Luckymommyx2]

Originally posted by CAP Aircrew
Fly the plane and talk to ATC. I find it passes the time away and gets us all there safely!

That's a good thing for you to do, thank you! I don't think you would want me to pass my time on the plane the same way!!

 

[Gaiusrex]

I attempt to keep the plane aloft with the force of my mind. If I lose my consentration, the plane could crash. So I sit and my seat, rock back and forth and chant "fly", "fly", "fly".