Awesome Things to Do on a Flight from the USA to India

The journey from the USA to India is an exciting one, spanning thousands of miles and offering a perfect chance to unwind and make the most of your in-flight time. With flights averaging around 15 to 20 hours, the long haul is an opportunity to relax, entertain yourself, catch up on things you‘ve been meaning to do, and, of course, anticipate the vibrant culture awaiting you in India. Here are some awesome activities to keep you entertained and productive throughout the flight!

In-flight entertainment has come a long way, and many airlines offer a vast selection of movies, TV series, and documentaries. Take this time to catch up on movies you‘ve missed, watch a full TV series, or even enjoy a few classic films you love. If you‘re in the mood for something thematic, consider Bollywood films to get you excited about your destination.

Nothing makes time fly like getting lost in a great book. Whether it‘s a novel, a biography, or a motivational read, bringing a book along can be a fantastic way to unwind. Audiobooks are also a great option if you want to give your eyes a rest while still enjoying a good story. Download a couple before your flight so you can sit back, close your eyes, and let the story take you to another place.

If you‘re interested in learning a few words or phrases in Hindi or another Indian language, many language-learning apps allow you to learn at your own pace. Being able to greet someone or ask for directions in the local language can add a special touch to your travel experience. Use the time in-flight to familiarize yourself with common phrases, greetings, and numbers. It can make your arrival in India even more enjoyable and smooth.

For those who need to stay productive, flights can be an excellent time to tackle some work without distraction. Many airlines offer in-flight Wi-Fi (though it may be intermittent), but you can download any documents, projects, or offline apps you need in advance. Use this uninterrupted time to catch up on emails, complete a project, or work on a personal goal.

With limited distractions, flights can be a unique opportunity to meditate or practice mindfulness exercises. Meditation apps like Headspace or Calm offer guided meditation sessions that can help you relax, find inner peace, and alleviate any travel anxiety. Try deep breathing exercises, positive visualization, or just a mindful awareness of the present moment. You may find that you feel more centered and refreshed upon landing.

This is the perfect time to finalize your travel itinerary. Whether you‘re headed to the Taj Mahal, Jaipur‘s royal palaces, Kerala‘s lush backwaters, or the bustling streets of Mumbai, plan how you‘ll navigate your destinations. Research any cultural customs, look up local dining spots, or check out top attractions. When you hit the ground, you‘ll feel confident and prepared to make the most of your time in India.

Meals served on international flights often feature a mix of Western and Indian cuisine. Embrace the flavors that you‘ll find in India by trying some of the Indian options on the menu. It‘s a nice way to immerse yourself in the culture early and enjoy the excitement of new tastes. Don‘t forget to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly; hydration helps keep jet lag in check and maintains your energy levels.

Your phone can quickly get cluttered with photos, files, apps, and messages. While in flight, take the opportunity to go through and delete what you no longer need. Organizing your photos into albums, clearing up space, and updating apps can be surprisingly satisfying and will leave your device running more smoothly for your trip.

If you‘re able to sleep on planes, a long-haul flight is the ideal time to get some rest. Adjusting to the time difference between the USA and India can be challenging, so try to sleep in line with your destination‘s time zone to ease the adjustment. Bring an eye mask, earplugs, and a neck pillow to make your rest as comfortable as possible.