Traveling can be a stressful experience, especially when it comes to long flights. However, with a MacBook on your lap, a flight can become a productive and enjoyable experience.

Your MacBook can be your best friend during a flight, offering endless entertainment options, work productivity, and more. Below, we'll explore several ways to use your MacBook during a flight.

1. Watch Movies and TV Shows

Netflix on Safari Mac

Watching movies and TV shows is one of the best ways to pass the time on a plane. While most flights now offer movies to watch, not all do, and not all are always included in the price. With a MacBook, you have a virtually unlimited selection of entertainment options at your fingertips; just take the time to plan ahead of your trip.

Before your flight, you can download movies and TV shows on streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video, so you don't need to rely on the in-flight entertainment system. If you prefer to watch something new, you can rent or buy movies and TV shows from the iTunes Store.

2. Listen to Music

A man listening to his headphones on a flight

Music can be a great way to relax and pass the time if you're not in the mood for visual entertainment. With the iTunes Store or streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music, you can create a playlist of your favorite songs.

Use the Music app on your MacBook to store music for your flight. You can download songs from Apple Music or even import your music library from external media into the Music app.

3. Read an Ebook

Reading an ebook can help you escape the stresses of traveling and immerse yourself in a new world. With the Kindle app or Apple Books, you can download books to your MacBook before your flight and read them offline.

You can choose from a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and even travel guides for where you're going.

4. Listen to Podcasts

Apple Podcasts app

Listening to podcasts is an excellent way to learn something new, entertain yourself, or catch up on the latest news. You can download them before your flight using the built-in Apple Podcasts app, which is one of the best apps for listening to podcasts on a Mac.

With thousands of podcasts to choose from, you can find something that interests you no matter your taste. Just invest a little preparation time before your flight to find and download anything you may want to listen to.

5. Play Offline Games

Gaming is surely a fun way to pass the time and keep your mind occupied during a long flight. With a MacBook, you can download games from Steam, Epic Games, or App Store that you can play offline.

You can choose from a variety of games, including puzzle games, strategy games, and simulation games. Don't forget that your MacBook comes with Chess pre-installed too.

6. Take Your Work With You

working on a MacBook during a flight

While a long flight can be a good time to relax, you can choose to be productive instead. You are forced to sit in a chair in the sky for sometimes hours, so why not use that time to catch up on work?

With a MacBook, you can take your work with you and make progress on your projects. Make sure you have all the files you need to get work done in the air. Take advantage of this time to catch up on emails, write a report, or brainstorm new ideas.

Flights Can Be Less Boring With a MacBook

With a little preparation, your laptop can be your best hedge against boring long-haul flights. From watching movies and listening to podcasts to catching up on work, there are several ways to keep yourself engaged.

Remember to charge your MacBook fully before your flight, bring a charger and headphones, and store it safely during takeoff and landing. With these tips, you can make your next flight a productive and enjoyable experience.