My 13 hour flight just got delayed 7 hours, I’m stuck at my second airport, and I dont think I’m gonna make it. I have some movies and audio books on my phone, but really only anticipated having to burn the flight time via napping and some media, not 7 hours leading up to it, and I’m pretty sure I’m gonna mentally burn out on passive media.
- I have media on my phone - movies, shows and audio books, but I can only do about 2-3 hours at a stretch before I burn out on those things.
- I have wifi and power both on the ground and on the plane, although I’m sure the connection once we get going isn’t going to be performance enough for online games.
- I have a phone and headset but didn’t bring a laptop because it was just extra bulk I didn’t think I’d need. I don’t have a switch or steam deck or anything neat.
- I have access to the airport lounge, so drinks are free, and I get free drinks on the plane. I don’t want to get wasted or have to pee constantly, so my plan is to jim lahey it.
- I’m intrigued by mobile games, but every one I’ve tried has felt too gimmicky with gambling or freemium BS mechanics. Also tried started valley but it never got me hooked either. I have an android and will buy games if they’re worth it.
- I’m open to any other ideas that could somehow mentally (or physically while on the ground) stimulate me.
- I’m a dude in my 30s with a family and kids, but I’m currently traveling solo.
- I’ve already killed 2 hours on a plane and 2 more on the ground (my planned connection time) doing nothing, I was saving my media trying to avoid burning out on shit before I get on the plane.
- I suck at sleeping when on the go.
- I’m on my 3rd mimosa and bored as fuck.
Help.
Play some chess on chess.com
Lichess is better.
There are very good mobile games without subscriptions, virtual coins, loot boxes and shit. Some examples on iOS:
- Sawblades
- Ollies Arcade
- Knotwords
- High Rise
Play Shattered Pixel Dungeon, it’s free and open source.
Tell TSA your username. They’ll find something for you to do for 20 hours.
Those are for later 👀
Loving the Lahey reference. Might try exploring the airport with a few drinks in your head.
Getting two birds stoned at the same time
I know you mentioned audiobooks but what about some digital books? Personally, reading makes my eyes tired so I know that, for me, reading something would be a good way to provoke a nap.
As a response to the idea that you may get fatigued by passive media, a book may be a good balance to that. With movies, shows, and audiobooks, you’re going to be listening the whole time. It’s just constant noise. A book may be more meditative.
Which reminds me, this may be a good time to practice meditation.
Doesn’t even have to be digital, airports usually have bookstores, don’t they?
I am not very helpful, but don’t kill these hours, befriend them!
Play Civilization
He said 20 hours, not days
If you’re into metal/hardcore/etc at all, you should watch the documentaries Parkway Drive (Post-hardcore/metalcore band from Australia) has made, extraordinary stuff. This is the first one.
I also recommend chess.
Slay the Spire is a great game that works well on mobile and has no microtransactions. I’ve played it for 400 hours (on PC) and I’m still not tired of it.
Vampire survivors is a good mobile game aswell.
Try Vampire Survivors! It’s a free mobile game that has no right being as fun as it is. You run around trying to kill monsters and level up your weapons without dying, but you can focus on dodging because all the weapons auto-attack. I’m not sure I’m explaining it super well, but it’s worth trying!
That’s free? Then why did I pay 2,50 for it?
But yes, it’s awesome. Pure dopamine.