A flight from Europe to Bangkok, Manila or Bali easily takes twelve hours or more. Movies help, but at some point you want something to do with your hands. Mobile games are the perfect travel companion, as long as you prepare a little. Here is what to download before you board, and how to make sure it actually works at 35,000 feet.
Before you fly: three quick checks
- Test in airplane mode at home. Many games play offline, but some need a connection to start or to sync progress. Switch on airplane mode the evening before and open every game you plan to play.
- Update everything on Wi-Fi. A game that insists on a big update mid-flight is useless. Install updates at home or at the airport.
- Bring a power bank. Games drain your battery faster than reading. Turn down screen brightness and close background apps to stretch it further.
1. Block Blast!
This block puzzle is made for long journeys: no timer, no rush, just placing pieces on a grid and clearing full rows and columns. One round can last a few minutes or an hour, depending on how carefully you plan. Want higher scores? These Block Blast tips explain how to plan placements and clear several lines at once.
2. Candy Crush Saga
The classic match-3 game has thousands of levels, enough to cover every flight you will take this year. Level progress usually syncs once you are back online, so you can keep playing where you left off.
3. Royal Match
If you like Candy Crush but want something with a fresh look, Royal Match is a good pick. The levels are short and the castle-renovation story gives you a reason to keep going. Do a quick airplane-mode test first, as with every game on this list.
4. Solitaire
Sometimes simple is best. Almost every phone has a free solitaire app available, and card games are perfect when the cabin lights dim and you do not want bright, flashing visuals.
5. Subway Surfers
For something more energetic, this endless runner is a long-time favourite. Rounds are short, so it is great for the moments between meals and turbulence announcements.
A few final travel tips
- Use headphones or mute the sound: your neighbours will thank you.
- Set a screen-time break every hour or so. Look out of the window, stretch your legs and rest your eyes.
- Keep a game for the return trip. Save a new download for the flight home, when the holiday blues kick in.
With a charged phone and the right games installed, even the longest flight to Asia goes by faster than you think. Safe travels!
