Long flights can feel endless without proper entertainment. While in-flight wifi exists, it’s often expensive, slow, or unreliable. That’s where offline games become your best friend at 30,000 feet.
After testing dozens of games during my own travel experiences and talking with frequent flyers, I’ve put together this guide to help you pick the perfect offline entertainment for your next long-haul journey.
Why Offline Games Matter for Air Travel
Most airlines charge $15-30 for wifi access, and even premium connections can be frustratingly slow. Streaming services often don’t work well, and your phone’s battery drains faster when constantly searching for signals.
Offline games solve these problems. They work without the internet, use less battery power, and many are specifically designed for touch controls on mobile devices.
Mobile Games That Work Best on Flights
Puzzle Games for Mental Engagement
Monument Valley Series This award-winning puzzle game creates beautiful, impossible architecture you manipulate to guide a character through levels. The stunning visuals and calming soundtrack make it perfect for relaxation during turbulence.
- Battery life: 4-6 hours of continuous play
- Learning curve: Easy to pick up
- Best for: People who like visual puzzles
The Room Series These 3D puzzle boxes require you to solve intricate mechanical puzzles. Each game takes 3-4 hours to complete, perfect for medium-length flights.
- Works great on tablets with larger screens
- No time pressure or stress
- Four games in the series for extended travel
Strategy Games for Deep Thinking
Civilization VI Yes, the full PC strategy game works on mobile devices. You can build entire civilizations during transcontinental flights. One game can easily last 8-12 hours.
- Warning: This game is addictive and battery-intensive
- Best on tablets or phones with large screens
- Perfect for very long international flights
Chess.com Offline Mode Download the app and play against AI opponents at different skill levels. You can also study famous games and practice specific situations.
- Minimal battery usage
- Multiple difficulty levels
- Good for improving your actual chess skills
Story-Rich Games for Immersion
80 Days Based on Jules Verne’s novel, you race around the world in this interactive fiction game. Your choices affect the story outcome, making each playthrough different.
- Excellent writing and storytelling
- Multiple paths and endings
- Takes 2-3 hours per complete playthrough
Life is Strange Series These episodic adventure games focus on storytelling and character development. Download all episodes before your flight for hours of engaging narrative.
- Strong emotional stories
- Beautiful art style
- Each episode takes 2-3 hours
Handheld Gaming Devices
Nintendo Switch
The Switch works perfectly for flights. It has a 3-6 hour battery life and thousands of games available for offline play.
Best Switch Games for Flights:
- The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (100+ hours of content)
- Stardew Valley (relaxing farming simulation)
- Hollow Knight (challenging platformer)
- Super Mario Odyssey (family-friendly adventure)
Pro Tips for Switch Travel:
- Bring a portable charger or power bank
- Use airplane mode to extend battery life
- Consider a carrying case for protection
Steam Deck
This handheld PC can play thousands of Steam games offline. It’s heavier than a Switch but offers access to your entire PC game library.
- 2-8 hour battery life, depending on the game
- Can play demanding PC games
- Best for serious gamers who want console-quality experiences
Classic Gaming Options
Nintendo 3DS/2DS
These older handhelds still offer excellent value for travel gaming. They have long battery life (5-7 hours) and huge game libraries.
Why Consider a 3DS:
- Extremely durable
- Cheaper than newer handhelds
- Massive library of great games
- Dual screens work well for many game types
Game Boy Advance SP or Retro Handhelds
For retro gaming fans, devices like the Anbernic RG35XX or Miyoo Mini can emulate classic games from multiple systems.
- 6-10 hour battery life
- Play games from NES, SNES, Game Boy, and more
- Compact and lightweight
- Legal ROMs are available for many classic games
Tablet Gaming
iPad Gaming
iPads offer large screens perfect for gaming, and many games are optimized for tablet play.
Best iPad Games for Travel:
- XCOM: Enemy Within (turn-based strategy)
- Divinity: Original Sin 2 (full RPG experience)
- Sid Meier’s Railroads! (train simulation)
Android Tablets
Many excellent games work across Android devices. Consider emulation apps for retro gaming or premium mobile games.
Battery Management Tips
Your gaming setup is only as good as your power management. Here’s how to make your devices last:
Power Banks and Charging
- Bring a 20,000mAh power bank for long flights
- Some airlines have USB ports, but they’re often slow
- Consider power banks with multiple USB ports
- Check airline rules about power bank capacity limits
Battery Optimization
- Use airplane mode when not needing connectivity
- Lower screen brightness to comfortable levels
- Close background apps before gaming
- Turn off location services and push notifications
What to Download Before Your Flight
Essential Preparations
Create a pre-flight gaming checklist:
- Download all games and updates while on wifi
- Charge all devices to 100%
- Test that games work offline
- Clear device storage for screenshots and save files
- Download any additional content or DLC
Storage Management
- Delete apps you won’t use during travel
- Move photos and videos to cloud storage
- Keep 1-2GB free space for game saves and updates
Gaming Accessories for Flights
Controllers and Input
Bluetooth Controllers: Many mobile games support external controllers. The Xbox Wireless Controller or 8BitDo SN30 Pro works well with phones and tablets.
Controller Phone Mounts clip your phone to a controller, creating a handheld gaming setup similar to a Switch.
Comfort Items
Adjustable Phone/Tablet Stands: Your neck will thank you for not hunching over a device for hours. Stands let you play at comfortable viewing angles.
Gaming Headphones Good headphones improve the gaming experience and avoid disturbing other passengers. Look for comfortable over-ear models with long battery life.
Blue Light Glasses Extended screen time can cause eye strain. Blue light filtering glasses may help during long gaming sessions.
Age-Appropriate Gaming Options
Games for Kids
- Minecraft (creative building and survival)
- Pokémon games (adventure and collection)
- Mario Kart (racing fun)
- Animal Crossing (social simulation)
Games for Adults
- Grand Theft Auto series (open-world action)
- The Witcher 3 (mature RPG storytelling)
- Disco Elysium (detective RPG with complex themes)
- Hades (challenging action with adult themes)
Budget-Friendly Gaming Solutions
Free Mobile Games
Many excellent free games work offline:
- Alto’s Odyssey (Endless Runner with beautiful visuals)
- Plants vs. Zombies (tower defense)
- Crossy Road (arcade action)
Subscription Services
Apple Arcade ($5/month): Over 200 premium games with no ads or in-app purchases. Many work offline after the initial download.
Google Play Pass ($5/month) Similar to Apple Arcade but for Android devices.
Gaming Etiquette on Flights
Considerate Gaming
- Always use headphones
- Keep screen brightness reasonable
- Be mindful of violent or inappropriate content
- Don’t let gaming interfere with safety instructions
- Pause during meal service and when the crew needs attention
Managing Gaming During Different Flight Phases
Takeoff and Landing Most airlines require devices in airplane mode but allow gaming after reaching cruising altitude.
Turbulence: Save your progress frequently. Sudden bumps can cause you to lose hours of gameplay.
Red-Eye Flights Choose calmer games that won’t keep you wired. Puzzle games or relaxing simulations work better than intense action games.
Troubleshooting Common Flight Gaming Issues
Device Problems
Overheating: Remove phone cases during extended gaming sessions. Use airplane mode to reduce processor load.
Screen Glare Window seats can cause screen glare. Consider an anti-glare screen protector or adjust your seating position.
Limited Space Tray tables are small. Practice playing with limited arm movement before your flight.
Game-Specific Issues
Save File Corruption Back up important saves to cloud storage before traveling. Some games auto-sync when you reconnect to wifi.
Forgotten Controls Download game manuals or take screenshots of control schemes for complex games.
Special Considerations for International Travel
Time Zone Gaming
Long international flights cross multiple time zones. This can actually help with jet lag management:
- Play energizing games during your destination’s daytime hours
- Switch to calming games during destination nighttime
- Gradually adjust your gaming schedule to match your destination
Cultural Sensitivity
Some countries have restrictions on certain game content. Research your destination’s gaming regulations, especially for games with:
- Political themes
- Religious content
- Violence or mature themes
- Online connectivity features
Creating Your Personal Flight Gaming Setup
Planning Your Gaming Kit
For Short Flights (2-4 hours):
- Smartphone with 2-3 downloaded games
- Portable charger
- Comfortable headphones
For Medium Flights (5-8 hours):
- Tablet or handheld gaming device
- 20,000mAh power bank
- Game controller (optional)
- Neck pillow for comfortable gaming
For Long International Flights (9+ hours):
- Multiple gaming devices
- High-capacity power bank
- Comfortable gaming accessories
- A variety of game genres to match your mood changes
Testing Your Setup
Before traveling, spend a few hours gaming with your planned setup:
- Test battery life under actual usage
- Ensure all games work offline
- Practice with any new controllers or accessories
- Verify comfort during extended sessions
Alternatives When Gaming Gets Tiring
Even the best games can become exhausting during very long flights. Have backup entertainment ready:
Digital Alternatives
- Downloaded movies or TV shows
- E-books or audiobooks
- Podcasts
- Music playlists
Offline Activities
- Physical books or magazines
- Crossword puzzles or sudoku books
- Travel journal writing
- Sketching or drawing
Rest and Recovery
- Use gaming breaks to stretch and walk
- Practice meditation or breathing exercises
- Get quality sleep to arrive refreshed
Staying Healthy During Long Gaming Sessions
Physical Health
Eye Care
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Blink frequently to prevent dry eyes
- Adjust screen brightness to match cabin lighting
Posture and Movement
- Change positions every 30 minutes
- Do simple stretches in your seat
- Walk the aisle when safe and appropriate
- Use armrests to support your gaming position
Mental Health
Avoiding Gaming Fatigue
- Take regular breaks between games
- Switch between different game genres
- Set time limits for intense or competitive games
- Have non-gaming activities available
Building Your Game Library
Game Selection Strategy
Choose games across different genres and energy levels:
High Energy Games (for when you’re alert)
- Action games
- Competitive multiplayer
- Fast-paced puzzlers
Medium Energy Games (for casual play)
- Adventure games
- Turn-based strategy
- Story-driven RPGs
Low Energy Games (for tired or relaxed moments)
- Puzzle games
- Simulation games
- Casual mobile games
Seasonal and Sale Strategies
Best Times to Buy Games:
- Steam sales (summer and winter)
- Mobile app store seasonal sales
- Console digital sales events
Free Game Sources:
- Epic Games Store weekly free games
- Mobile app stores’ free game of the week
- Gaming subscription services
Advanced Gaming Setups
Streaming Your Own Games
If you have good home internet, services like Steam Remote Play or Xbox Cloud Gaming let you stream your own library to mobile devices. This requires stable wifi but gives access to your full game collection.
Emulation Gaming
Retro gaming through emulation can provide hundreds of classic games on a single device. Popular options include:
- RetroArch (multi-system emulator)
- Delta (iOS Game Boy emulator)
- My Boy! (Android Game Boy Advance emulator)
Note: Only use ROMs you legally own or public domain games.
Final Recommendations
The best flight gaming setup depends on your travel style, budget, and gaming preferences. Here’s my recommendation for different types of travelers:
Budget Traveler
- Use your existing smartphone
- Download free offline games
- Bring a basic power bank
- Use your regular earbuds
Comfort Traveler
- Invest in a Nintendo Switch or iPad
- Buy a few premium games
- Get a high-capacity power bank
- Add comfortable gaming headphones
Gaming Enthusiast
- Consider a Steam Deck for maximum game access
- Build a library across multiple devices
- Invest in premium accessories
- Plan different games for different flight segments
What to Do Next
Now that you know your options, here’s how to prepare for your next flight:
- Assess your upcoming travel: How long are your flights? What devices do you already own?
- Choose your platform: Pick one primary gaming device and one backup option.
- Build your game library: Start with 2-3 games across different genres.
- Test everything: Spend a weekend gaming with your planned setup to identify any issues.
- Pack smart: Create a travel gaming kit with all necessary cables, chargers, and accessories.
Remember, the goal is to make your flight time enjoyable and relaxing. The best games are ones you’ll actually want to play, not just the most popular or highly-rated options.
Good gaming makes long flights pass quickly and helps you arrive at your destination entertained rather than exhausted. Whether you prefer simple mobile puzzles or complex strategy games, there’s an offline gaming solution that fits your travel style and budget.
Start planning your flight gaming setup now, and your next long journey will feel like it’s over before you know it.
