As airlines continue to move away from backseat TVs and increasingly offer both paid and free Wifi, travelers near and far are wondering what apps and devices are best to stay stimulated and keep their minds off the time spent inflight.
Through much digging, we’ve compiled some of our favorites all in one place to help you coordinate your inflight entertainment for your next trip.
IN-FLIGHT WIFI
Though only eight airlines currently offer free in-flight WiFi – JetBlue is the only one in the U.S. – a number of airlines do offer WiFi services for a nominal fee.
So which is the best? We’ve pulled the top three from a recent study that measured WiFi-happiness via the amount of seat miles each airline covers worldwide to come up with the most-connected airlines.
- Delta – Covering 552.3 million seat miles
- United – Covering 501.0 million seat miles
- American – Covering 476.8 million seat miles
Whether you’re trying to flex that brain muscle, catch up on some reading or simply get lost in something silly, all of the following apps can be accessed offline (just in case you don’t feel like shelling out cash for a connection).
GAMING
Sometimes you just want to kick back and play some games.
- ANGRY BIRDS
Arguably the most popular app game of all time, the fight against the pigs commences.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: $0.99/Apple, FREE/Android
- PLANTS -VS- ZOMBIES
Winner of more than 30 Game of the Year Awards, this app lets you use your plant-weapons to fight a mob of zombies trying to invade your home.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: $0.99/Apple, FREE/Android
- TEMPLE RUN 2
Already mastered Temple Run? Dive into its exhilarating sequel.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
- UNBLOCK ME FREE
A simple and addictive puzzle game.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
- TWO DOTS
From the makers of the highly additive Dots game, Two Dots follows two brave dots on an exciting adventure.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
- CALM
Need a little more relaxation and meditation on your flight? This app is for you.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
READING
Whether you’re catching up on work or reading for pleasure, these apps and devices are wonderful.
Devices:
- Amazon Kindle Paperwhite
A sharp display, fast performance, glare-free screen.
What It’ll Cost You: $119 for the WiFi-only version, $189 for built-in 3G wireless connection. But if you can download your book before your flight, we suggest the $119 version. Because…duh!
- Barnes and Noble Nook GlowLight Plus
A waterproof eBook reader that’s perfect for a tropical beach excursion.
What It’ll Cost You: $129.99
Apps:
When you see an article, a video or a link you want to save for reading on your trip, just store it in Pocket. It’ll sync across all of your devices and let you go back to it when you’re ready – even when you’re offline and in the sky!
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
- OFFLINE PAGES
Let’s you save entire websites while you’re still on WiFi to read later on your flight.
Where It’s Available: Apple
What It’ll Cost You: $4.99
- INSTAPAPER
Save articles for later. Easy to read, mobile and tablet-optimized text view.
Where It’s Available: Apple & Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
WATCHING
Prefer to get lost in some of your favorite shows or movies? We’ve got the apps for you.
- MEDIATAP
Download all types of files – not just movies! Whether you want videos, eBooks, music, photos or more, simply download here and watch anytime.
Where It’s Available: Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing
- GOOGLE PLAY MOVIES & TV
Let’s you watch a movie or a television show you rented or purchased from any of your devices, anytime, with or without a connection. Just make sure you download your inflight movies before boarding!
Where It’s Available: Android
What It’ll Cost You: Nothing for the App, just pay per movie/show
- ITUNES
Let’s you watch any movie or television show you rented or purchased from any of your iOS devices, anytime, with or without a connection. Just make sure you download your inflight movies before you board!
Where It’s Available: Apple
What It’ll Cost You: Just pay per movie/show
For good measure, let’s talk a little bit about the most famous streaming services available:
- NETFLIX
Unfortunately, there is currently no downloadable option for Netflix movies or TV shows. But don’t worry, they’re thinking about it.
- AMAZON PRIME
The amount of time you have to view a downloaded video varies by title. You can read more about this here, but, in short, some content owners put restrictions on how long you can view a video sans an internet connection. You will know if there is a viewing limit before downloading.
For more travel tips read: Travel Tips: Get the Most Out of Your Next Trip
