To keep yourself entertained during a long flight, you can rely on your own devices with content downloaded before you leave. However, you need the right cables, adapters, and power to make it work. This guide covers how to prepare digital downloads, choose headphones that work with seatback screens, pack charging gear that follows FAA rules, and plan offline fun for all ages.
Before You Start
Start by checking your devices, apps, and subscriptions. Most streaming services, audiobook platforms, and music apps let you download content for offline playback, but each has its own limits and expiration dates. For example, some movie downloads expire after 48 hours or once you go online. Look in the app’s settings for download management and expiration info. Also, confirm that your device has enough free storage—delete old files or apps you no longer need.
If you plan to use the seatback screen to watch airline-provided movies, you may still want your own headphones and possibly an adapter. Check the airline’s website or app to see what type of headphone jack the seats use. Many newer aircraft have a single 3.5 mm jack, but older planes may require a two-prong adapter. Some airlines now support Bluetooth pairing with their seatback systems, but that feature is not universal. Always verify ahead of time.
For a broader set of tips on surviving long flights, see our guide on long flight essentials.
The Checklist
Downloads: Shows, Movies, Music, Podcasts, and Books
- Movies and TV shows: Use the streaming apps you already subscribe to to download episodes or films. Watch for download limits per device or title. Start downloads at least a day before your flight—large files can take hours on slower home Wi-Fi.
- Music and podcasts: Download playlists or episodes in your preferred music or podcast app. For music, choose a mix of upbeat and relaxing tracks to match different moods. Podcasts are great for long stretches—pick series with episodes over 30 minutes to minimize skipping.
- Audiobooks: Borrow from your local library through its lending app, or use an audiobook subscription service. Downloads usually stay available until you return them or the lending period ends, so check the expiration before your trip.
- Ebooks and magazines: Download these through a reading app or through your library’s platform. Ebooks use very little storage, so you can load your entire to-be-read list.
Headphones and Adapters
Your headphones need to work with both your personal device and the seatback entertainment system. Here’s how to plan:
- Wired headphones: A pair with a standard 3.5 mm plug works with nearly all phones, tablets, and laptops. For the seatback screen, check the airline’s jack type. If the screen has a single 3.5 mm jack, your regular headphones will plug right in. If it uses the older two-prong style (two small mono jacks), you need an airplane headphone adapter.
- Bluetooth headphones: Many airlines now allow Bluetooth pairing with their seatback systems on newer planes. To use this, put your headphones into pairing mode and search for the seatback screen’s Bluetooth option in its settings menu. However, Bluetooth is not available on all aircraft, and pairing can be finicky. Bring a wired backup pair just in case.
- Backup wired earbuds: A simple, lightweight pair of wired earbuds takes almost no space and saves you if your Bluetooth runs out of battery or fails to connect. Keep them in your personal item.
- Noise-canceling feature: If your headphones have active noise cancellation, you can use it with a wired connection even if the Bluetooth is off. This is ideal for blocking engine noise. For comfort, see our tips on being comfortable on a long flight.
Charging: Power Banks and Cables
Your device’s battery will drain faster during hours of video playback. Pack a power bank, but follow FAA regulations: spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks must be carried in your carry-on luggage, not in checked bags. Under FAA rules, power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed in carry-on bags, and those from 101 to 160 Wh need airline approval. Check the FAA’s PackSafe page for lithium batteries before you fly. Also check your airline’s policy, as some impose lower limits.
Bring the correct charging cable for your device (for example, USB-C) and consider a short cable to avoid clutter. If you plan to use the seat’s USB port (if available), note that many in-seat ports charge slowly and may not keep up with heavy usage. A power bank is more reliable.
Offline Games
Games that don’t need an internet connection are ideal for flights. Look for puzzle games, word games, card games, or classic arcade titles. Download them before you leave, and check that they run fully offline—some free games require a data connection for ads or leaderboards. If you are traveling with a companion, choose a two-player game that works on a single device (like chess or a board game app).
Kids’ Content
For children, download age-appropriate apps and shows well in advance. Many streaming services allow you to download entire seasons of kids’ shows. Offline games and coloring apps can keep them busy for short stretches. Consider setting up a separate profile or folder on the device so they cannot accidentally exit the app or make purchases. Also pack a physical book or small toy as a backup—screens may need a break, and some kids prefer analog activities.
Analog Options
Even with all your digital preparation, bring a few low-tech items. A paperback book or magazine never runs out of battery. A crossword puzzle book, sudoku, or a small travel journal gives you a screen-free way to pass time. A deck of cards or a compact travel board game can entertain you and a seatmate. These options are especially useful during takeoff and landing, when larger electronics must be stowed.
Quick-Reference Table
| Category | What to Prepare | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Movies & TV shows | Download episodes/movies in streaming app | Check download expiry; start early; check storage |
| Music & podcasts | Download playlists/episodes offline | Choose variety; consider length for podcasts |
| Audiobooks & ebooks | Download via library or subscription app | Check lending period or expiration |
| Headphones | Wired pair (3.5 mm), airplane adapter, Bluetooth (optional), backup earbuds | Verify seatback jack type; test Bluetooth pairing before flying |
| Charging | Power bank (carry-on), cable | Follow FAA PackSafe rules; check airline limits |
| Offline games | Download puzzle, card, or two-player games | Test offline mode; consider companion games |
| Kids’ content | Download shows, apps, coloring apps; pack physical book/toy | Create restricted access; plan for screen breaks |
| Analog fun | Book, magazine, puzzles, journal, card deck | No batteries needed; good for takeoff/landing |
What You Can Skip
Not every option is worth your time or money. Avoid relying solely on in-flight Wi-Fi to stream content—coverage can be patchy, speeds may be slow, and many airlines charge high fees for streaming. The seatback entertainment screen is convenient, but it can be broken or have a limited selection. Do not depend on it as your only source of entertainment.
Skip bringing extremely large headphones if they take up too much space in your bag. A compact over-ear pair or a set of earbuds is enough. Also skip downloading everything available—stick to a realistic amount that fits your device’s storage. You can always rewatch or relisten to something you already know you like.
Finally, you can skip complicated Bluetooth pairing if your wired headphones work perfectly. The extra hassle might not be worth the convenience.
FAQ
Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
Yes, most airlines allow Bluetooth headphones with your device in airplane mode, but follow the crew’s instructions and your airline’s rules. Some newer seatback screens allow you to pair your Bluetooth headphones directly to the system. Check your airline’s policy before flying.
Do I need a special adapter for airplane headphones?
It depends on the aircraft. Many modern planes have a single 3.5 mm headphone jack, so your regular wired headphones work without an adapter. Older planes may have a two-prong jack (two small mono plugs). For those, you need an adapter that combines the two prongs into a single 3.5 mm plug. Pack one if you are unsure of the plane type. You can find an airplane headphone adapter at most electronics stores.
How much power bank capacity is allowed on flights?
The FAA requires that spare lithium-ion batteries and power banks be carried in your carry-on luggage. Power banks up to 100 watt-hours (Wh) are allowed without special approval, and those between 101 Wh and 160 Wh need airline approval. Always check the FAA PackSafe page and your airline’s policy for the most current guidance.
What if I forget to download content before my flight?
Most airlines offer some free entertainment on their seatback screens, such as movies, TV shows, and music. You can also buy in-flight Wi-Fi (if available) and stream content from your own services, but this is often expensive and unreliable. To avoid boredom, always pack at least one analog option—a book, a magazine, or a notebook—that does not depend on downloads or connectivity.
Preparing your in-flight entertainment before you leave ensures you stay engaged throughout the journey. Download your favorite content, pack the right headphone adapter and wired backup, bring a compliant power bank, and include some low-tech options. Check with your airline and the FAA for any specific rules, and you will be ready for a comfortable, entertaining flight. For more planning advice, see our full guide on long flights.
