Been flying a bunch lately, mostly 2-3 hour flights. I mostly just try to sleep (or read this board). Curious what others do.
Poll: How do you spend your time on a flight?
- Thread starter CFLion
- Start date
Equal parts work and sleep. Time of day really matters too...mid-day flight and likely more on the work side...redeye and I'm asleep before the plan takes off and might not wake up until we've landed.
What do you do on short non-transatlantic flights that don't provide enough time for that?
Read. Always. From the minute I'm in my seat until the minute I get out of it.
Genuine books printed on actual paper.
Genuine books printed on actual paper.
I like to read, listen to music, watch movies, sleep. As someone else mentioned, depends on length of flight and time of day.
I honestly try not to work on flights because it is a period where I can get a short reprieve given most of my flying is work related.
I do not like to talk to my seat mates because I’ve had a few bad experiences where the people just never STFU once you open that door.
I honestly try not to work on flights because it is a period where I can get a short reprieve given most of my flying is work related.
I do not like to talk to my seat mates because I’ve had a few bad experiences where the people just never STFU once you open that door.
Checking to see if Mary Kate Cornett is on the flight manifest . Hotty Toddy !
Story is blowing up the web today .
Story is blowing up the web today .
Aren’t you sick of seeing Dick run by now?
Not until he catches Spot
If long enough (like to Europe) I like to get a glass of wine and watch a movie I might not otherwise ever sit down to watch. Or, one I haven’t seen that I really wanted to see. I don’t usually sleep unless totally zonked. Will read if no good movies. Also enjoy the travel shows as a last resort. Key is a glass of wine or cognac - Lufthansa is the best because even if in coach they are very generous with wine.
If I don’t catch an upgrade I spend my time cursing the bastards that did.
I get my window seat (hopefully exit row...though with the recent happenings, I may change that strategy as I can't be trusted to help anyone), toss on the headphones, and conk out during a podcast. If i wake up, there's another podcast in waiting. I often make it a goal to not say more than 10 words to anyone on the plane unless there's someone I know also on the flight. And since I never get seated next to any attractive women, I usually meet my goal.
Just got in my hotel near LAX,
14 hours from Singapore. I watch movies and work on math problems. Damn, hard problem I’m working on.
14 hours from Singapore. I watch movies and work on math problems. Damn, hard problem I’m working on.
Depending on the flight and duration, Tgar will always have a compelling book to read but he does enjoy a glass of wine with a movie as well. The sound has to be up to par though to make the experience worthwhile. Syncing earbuds with some of these systems is nearly impossible at Times. Standard routine is get on the plane, settle in, determine if watching a movie is feasible.
He may for the first time next month, download a Netflix movie on his IPad and give that a whirl.
Having said all that, crushing a good book and drifting off is never bad. Jet lag recovery is becoming more of a problem.
He may for the first time next month, download a Netflix movie on his IPad and give that a whirl.
Having said all that, crushing a good book and drifting off is never bad. Jet lag recovery is becoming more of a problem.
How are you feeling Jim? Are you right side up or upside down? Anymore, long flights leave me with several “ adjustment” days particularly at the end of a long trip.
For longer flights, sleep is my go-to. If things work out right, the flight attendant will wake me up just prior to landing.
For shorter flights I suck it up and just wait for the time to pass. Kinda like Puddy.
Last edited:
I always book emergency row window because as I tell them when I board I am willing and able to lead the way off the plane in the event of an emergency - and I almost never speak to anyone else - I have found most poeple are just as unintersting as me.
I’ve had better days. I caught a cold in Chiang Mai, which didn’t help. Also, a big part of my cheerful disposition is dependent on my being regular and this has been compromised something fierce. I’ll bounce back in a couple of days, thanks for asking.
I guess it's all of the above. If I'm with my wife it's almost certain it is a conversation. Regarding talking to strangers, I don't often do it, but I must mention that one of the best conversations I had was with two random Penn State students/ fans. Solid young students.
I keep looking at the gages and instruments in front of me while talking on the radio. I also keep moving this thing that looks like a steering wheel in front of me and moving this other thing in the middle of the consol.
Sorry, but as a pilot I was thinking on how I spent a lot of time in the air.
Sorry, but as a pilot I was thinking on how I spent a lot of time in the air.
The best is on an overnight to Paris or Frankfurt and everyone is lights out but I'm watching a movie with my glass of wine; then head to the galley where the attendants are hanging out and get a top up and chat a bit. The top ups are usually heavy too. Then, finish movie, wine, and conk out. We usually pay for hotels beginning the night before we arrive because when you get in at 6am to CDG, you want to hit the rack for a couple hours before lunch.
just back from Kauai 2 days ago. Was an ON from Honolulu to Detroit, Made upgrade to 1st, but on Delta 1 is not that great truthfully. Drank some wine, watched some movies, slept a little. Usually do not work on flights any more unless really up against some type deadline. Some combination read, watch movies, sleep and will only drink if do not have anything important on landing.
Putting 3 girls in college so right now we are back seat against the wall with my knees jammed into the seat in front of me. When the person reclines I groan. Fun watching the people come back to go to the bathroom. 
To think I used to travel in the front, business or first class.
To think I used to travel in the front, business or first class.Reminds me of my last two flights on American Airlines.Putting 3 girls in college so right now we are back seat against the wall with my knees jammed into the seat in front of me. When the person reclines I groan. Fun watching the people come back to go to the bathroom.
I spent most of my flights trying to keep my 14 year old daughter with Autism from bothering everyone on the plane. My efforts usually yield mixed results. Thankfully most people understand that she has special needs and her misbehavior isn't intentional but every now and then you get someone who wants to make it an issue.
