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Gadgets that make a long-haul flight fly by

Siena Hocking

Updated August 13, 2026 - 4.47am

Flying isn’t often much fun. It can be stressful, busy, overwhelming, and boring watching the time go by – minute by minute.

As seasoned long-haul flyers, we’ve thought of the top tech and gadgets that help pass the time, whether you’re a big movie fan, love a book, or prefer to sleep as much as possible.

NOTE: Prices are accurate at time of publishing.

MEE Audio Connect Air in-Flight Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter Adapter

Was $79.99, now $36.87

It’s wild how much technology advances and yet, those little plane headphones continue to be rubbish. With the MEE audio Connect Air, you can plug into an aeroplane’s 3.5mm audio jack, transmitting sound via Bluetooth to wireless headphones. It offers a way more relaxing experience, as you can use your own ear pods for crisp audio instead of the low-quality, uncomfortable aeroplane option.

Musicozy Sleep Headphones Bluetooth Wireless Sleeping Eye Mask

Was $59.99, now $35.99

By combining a total blackout eye mask with ultra-thin wireless speakers, you can listen to podcasts, audiobooks, and more, as you doze off with total ease. There’s no better way to pass time at 35,000ft than with a good, undisturbed sleep.

Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs

$39.95 | Shop here

If you’re craving a touch of silence in a busy aeroplane cabin, then the Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs are the perfect gadget for you. Block out jet engine hums, chatter, or babies crying, and slump into a time-killing deep sleep with these sleek, comfortable earplugs.

Amazon Kindle 16GB (newest gen)

$197 | Shop here

If you love getting stuck into a good book to make time go by, consider a lightweight, portable option like a Kindle to get you through the flight. With endless books in one device and a generous battery life, it’s a no-brainer for bookworms.

Apple iPad (A16) (Wi-Fi, 128GB) $699

$699 | Shop here

A laptop often feels too clunky to carry around an airport or too awkward to open up in tight cabin spaces. You can download movies, read books, play games, work offline, plus add a detachable keyboard, pencil, and more for whatever activity takes your fancy.

UGREEN Cell Phone Stand Adjustable

Was $29.80, now $19.99

Tap into hands-free entertainment with this adjustable stand.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 11″ Wi-Fi 128GB

$399 | Shop here

For the ultimate easy screening set-up, a Samsung Galaxy Tab is the way to go if you don’t trust in-flight entertainment. It features a bright 90Hz display, Dolby-tuned speakers, and a handy 3.5 mm headphone jack for private listening.

Nintendo Switch 2 Console

$699 | Shop here

Gather your friends and family and immerse yourselves in two-player and multiplayer gaming to make a flight go faster. Whether you’d be a Donkey Kong Bananza fan or a Mario Kart World enthusiast, a game is a sure way of distracting you from the passage of time.

reMarkable Paper Pure with Marker

$649 | Shop here

For a more productive plane journey, the reMarkable Paper Pure with Marker offers a means to handwrite notes, sketch, read and annotate documents with a soft-light, paper-like feel. Complete work, to-do lists, or read long documents when you have nothing but time on your hands.

Beats Studio Pro ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones

Was $529, now $359

For serious noise-cancelling, these Beats Studio Pro ANC Over-Ear Wireless Headphones are a stellar option. With soft ear cushions and 40 hours of battery life, you’ll be immersed in music, podcasts, and more without the battery going flat or your ears feeling sore.

INIU Power Bank 22.5W Fast Charging Portable Charger

Was $59.99, now $39.99

A portable charger is always good to have to hand. Equipped with a USB-C input/output port and dual USB-A output ports, you can eliminate battery life anxiety by charging up to three gadgets at one time. Just make sure to follow the cabin rules for storage.