No Wi-Fi? No problem! You can still snooze, watch, listen, read, and play from take-off to touchdown with these airplane apps. We’ve got the best apps for airplane mode, carefully curated to elevate your air travel experience.
What’s Airplane Mode?
Airplane mode is a setting on your phone or device that turns off its wireless communication functions, like cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It’s often used during flights to ensure that electronic devices don’t interfere with the plane’s systems.
The Kinds of Apps You Can Use on Airplane Mode
Most apps offer some airplane mode functionality. Especially apps for reading, listening to downloaded music, watching pre-downloaded videos, gaming with offline modes, and productivity apps that don’t rely on real-time internet access.
So whether you’re a frequent flyer or just planning your next adventure, these apps are your ticket to in-flight entertainment and productivity. From turning your phone into a portable cinema to enjoying your favourite books, music, and games without a hitch, these are the best apps for flying, and will make your flight time fly by.
Things to Do During a Long Flight
Long flights don’t have to be a bore. There are plenty of engaging activities to make the most of your time in the air, and we’ve got your back. Before we explore the best apps for airplane mode, here are some ideas to keep you entertained and productive during your journey:
- Read a book: Bring a good paperback or use your e-reader app to immerse yourself in a captivating story.
- Watch a movie: Download your favorite films or TV series to enjoy cinematic entertainment.
- Listen to music or podcasts: Create playlists or subscribe to podcasts for a personalized audio experience.
- Work or study: Use productivity apps to tackle tasks or catch up on study materials.
- Play games: Enjoy offline games that challenge your wits or provide casual entertainment.
- Plan your trip: Use travel apps to organize your itinerary and explore the destination you’re headed to.
- Take a snooze: Don’t underestimate the power of a nap or 12-hour siesta to recharge during a long journey.
- Chat with fellow passengers: Strike up a conversation with your seatmate and perhaps make a new friend.
And of course, we also have our carefully curated list of apps for plane rides, to ensure that your long flight is not only bearable but also enjoyable and productive.
In this section we’ll break down the best airplane apps for:
- Sleeping
- Watching Something
- Listening to Something
- Reading
- Gaming
- Trip Planning
- Working
Let’s get started!
The 39 Best Apps for Airplane Mode
Now, it’s time to dive into the heart of the matter – the top apps that will make your in-flight experience more comfortable. We’ve scoured the app stores and handpicked the 39 best apps designed to shine in airplane mode.
Each app serves a unique purpose, catering to your specific in-flight needs. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, entertainment, or productivity, we’ve got you covered.
So, fasten your seatbelt, put your tray table up, and let’s explore the 39 best apps for long flights that will transform your device into your in-flight companion.
The Best Airplane Apps for Sleeping
When it’s time to catch some Zs in the air, these apps have your back. They’re your go-to choices for creating a peaceful atmosphere conducive to restful sleep during your flight.
Trust us, when you wake up feeling refreshed, you’ll be grateful we included these in our list of best apps for airplane mode.
White Noise
The White Noise app is perfect for creating a soothing background sound that helps you relax, sleep, or focus by masking distracting noises with your favorite ambient sounds.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A library of over 50 ambient sounds perfect for drowning out cabin noise.
- Customizable mixes of sounds to create your ideal sleep environment.
- A built-in sleep timer for automatic shutoff.
Calm
Calm is your on-the-go oasis, offering guided meditation sessions and calming sleep stories to help you de-stress, relax, and find your inner peace, anytime, anywhere.
Price: Free, with a premium subscription option.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A library of soothing sleep stories narrated by well-known voices.
- Guided meditation sessions for relaxation.
- A “Sleep Stories” feature that combines music, narration, and soundscapes to lull you to sleep.
Relax Melodies
Relax Melodies allows you to mix and match a symphony of soothing sounds to help you unwind, fall asleep, or create a peaceful atmosphere wherever you are.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Vast collection of sounds, from rain to ocean waves, for building your perfect sleep soundtrack.
- Sound mixer for customizing and saving your favorite combinations.
- A smart alarm clock that gently wakes you up with your chosen sounds.
Sleep Cycle
The Sleep Cycle app is great for tracking your sleep patterns to wake you up at the perfect time, ensuring you rise refreshed and ready to conquer the day.
Price: Free, with a premium subscription option.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Sleep tracking to monitor the quality of your rest.
- Smart wake-up functionality to gently rouse you during your lightest sleep phase.
- Sleep analysis and insights to help you improve your sleep patterns.
These best apps for airplane mode for sleeping will ensure you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to tackle your travel adventures. Whether you prefer soothing sounds, guided meditation, or tracking your sleep quality, there’s an app that suits your in-flight sleep needs perfectly.
The Best Airplane Apps for Watching Something
If you’re in the mood to binge-watch your favorite shows or enjoy a movie at 30,000 feet, these movie apps for airplane mode are your perfect companions for in-flight entertainment.
Netflix
When it comes to apps you can use in airplane mode, Netflix one of our top picks!
The Netflix app will turn your flights into a red-carpet premiere, with all your favourite movies and TV shows available for streaming and offline viewing.
Price: Paid subscription required.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A vast library of movies, TV series, and documentaries.
- Offline download feature to enjoy content without an internet connection.
- Smart recommendations based on your viewing preferences.
Amazon Prime Video
The Amazon Prime Video app is your backstage pass to a star-studded line-up of movies and exclusive TV series, with the bonus of offline downloads for your in-flight viewing pleasure. Did someone say, “best app for airplane”?
Price: Available with an Amazon Prime subscription.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A wide selection of movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals.
- Download option for offline viewing, ideal for air travel.
- X-Ray feature for in-depth information on the content you’re watching.
Disney+
Not sure what things to download for a flight? The Disney+ app is the key to unlocking the magic of Disney, Marvel, Star Wars, and more, with offline downloads ensuring your favorite characters join you on every flight.
Price: Paid subscription required.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A treasure trove of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic content.
- Download your favorite content for offline enjoyment during your flight.
- Kid-friendly profiles and parental controls.
Hulu
Another great one on our list of watching apps you can use on airplane mode is Hulu.
The Hulu app is your all-access pass to streaming a wide range of TV shows, movies, and original content, with the bonus of offline downloads to enjoy your favorite shows.
Price: Paid subscription required.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Streaming of popular TV shows, movies, and original content.
- Offline downloads for uninterrupted entertainment.
- Live TV streaming option with access to news, sports, and more.
YouTube Premium
The YouTube Premium app elevates your video experience with ad-free watching, offline downloads, and exclusive content, making it the ultimate companion for uninterrupted in-flight entertainment.
Price: Requires a subscription.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Ad-free viewing experience.
- Download videos for offline playback.
- Background play, so you can listen while your device is locked.
With these best airplane apps, your in-flight viewing experience will be nothing short of amazing. Whether you’re into thrilling dramas, animated adventures, or heartwarming classics, you’ll have a world of entertainment at your fingertips during your air travel.
The Best Airplane Apps for Listening to Something
Wondering what apps can you listen to music on airplane mode? This section definitely has some good airplane mode apps for you.
If you’re in the mood for music we have the best music apps for airplane mode, as well as podcasts, and audiobooks during your flight. These best apps for airplane mode are your perfect companions for auditory entertainment. They offer a diverse range of audio content to keep you engaged while in airplane mode.
Spotify
When it comes to music apps that play on airplane mode, Spotify is your portable jukebox, delivering millions of songs and playlists, even in airplane mode, so you can enjoy your favorite tunes on every journey.
Price: Free with ads or a premium subscription for an ad-free experience.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A vast music library with millions of tracks available for offline listening.
- Curated playlists and personalized recommendations.
- Podcasts and original content.
Apple Music
Another popular one for music apps that work on airplane mode is the Apple Music app. This music app for airplane mode is another pass to an extensive music library, allowing you to listen to your favorite songs and explore new tracks, even when you’re soaring above the clouds.
Price: Requires a subscription.
Available: iOS and Android (Apple Music for Android)
Features:
- Access to a vast music library for offline listening.
- Curated playlists and radio stations.
- Integration with your existing iTunes library.
Audible
In terms of the best airplane apps for story lovers, Audible is perfect.
The Audible app brings the world of audiobooks to your device, making it easy to enjoy captivating narratives even when you’re in airplane mode.
Price: Requires a subscription.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A vast selection of audiobooks, including bestsellers and classics.
- Download audiobooks to your device for offline listening.
- Sleep timer and narration speed adjustment.
Pandora
Another incredible choice when it comes to music apps that work on airplane mode: Pandora. The Pandora app crafts personalized radio stations that play your favorite tunes, introduce you to new music, and keep you grooving, whether you’re online or in airplane mode.
Price: Free with ads or a premium subscription.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Personalized internet radio stations.
- Offline listening with Pandora Plus or Premium subscriptions.
- Ad-free experience with premium plans.
Pocket Casts
Podcast lovers, this airplane mode app is for you. The Pocket Casts app organizes and delivers your favorite podcasts, even in airplane mode, so you can immerse yourself in stories, news, and entertainment on the go.
Price: Free with a paid premium option.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Podcast player with a user-friendly interface.
- Download podcasts for offline enjoyment.
- Cross-device syncing and playback speed controls.
Tidal
Tidal is a great option for music apps to listen to while on airplane mode. The Tidal app offers high-quality music streaming and offline listening, ensuring you can dive deep into the world of sound no matter where you are.
Price: Requires a subscription.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- High-fidelity audio quality for audiophiles.
- Offline downloads for on-the-go listening.
- Exclusive content and early releases.
Google Podcasts
The Google Podcasts app offers offline access to your favorite podcasts and a seamless listening experience wherever you are. It’s not only another great option for podcast listeners, but also one of the best free apps for airplane mode.
Price: Free.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- User-friendly interface for easy podcast discovery.
- Offline download for episodes.
- Integration with other Google services for easy access.
Whether you prefer music, audiobooks, or podcasts, these best airplane apps offer a wealth of listening options to keep you engaged and entertained in airplane mode. Enjoy your favorite audio content during your flight and make the most of your travel time.
The Best Airplane Apps for Reading
For bookworms and casual readers alike, these airplane mode apps are a gateway to a world of literature, all available in airplane mode. When it comes to apps you can use on airplane mode, even if you’re not a book lover, you’ll want to give this section a go.
Kindle
Does kindle app work in airplane mode? Yes. The Kindle app is a portable library, granting you access to countless books and stories for offline reading, making it your perfect in-flight companion for book lovers.
Price: Free, with the option to purchase e-books.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Access to a vast e-book library, including bestsellers and classics.
- Download e-books for offline reading.
- Customizable fonts and background colors for comfortable reading.
Goodreads
The Goodreads app helps you discover, review, and keep track of your favorite books while offering personalized recommendations, even when you’re offline. As far as apps for airplane mode go, Goodreads is definitely useful for fellow bookworms on-the-go.
Price: Free.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A social platform for book lovers to discover, review, and rate books.
- Create and track reading challenges.
- Receive personalized book recommendations.
Wattpad
Looking for more best free apps for airplane mode great for reading? The Wattpad app is a portal to an endless world of stories, written by a diverse community of authors, available for offline reading, and always ready to whisk you away on literary adventures.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A platform for reading and sharing user-generated stories.
- Offline mode for reading stories without an internet connection.
- Option to follow your favorite authors and receive story updates.
These apps provide an extensive selection of reading material, whether you prefer e-books, audiobooks, or community-driven stories. Now you can easily escape into captivating narratives during your flight, all in the comfort of airplane mode.
As far as, airplane apps go, the Pocket app allows you to save and read articles, web pages, and videos offline, making it your personal library for knowledge and entertainment on the go.
Price: Free, with a premium option.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Save articles, web pages, and videos for offline reading and viewing.
- Organize content into categories for easy access.
- Discover and read your saved content during your flight.
The Best Airplane Apps for Gaming
Gaming enthusiasts don’t fret. Even in airplane mode, you can embark on thrilling adventures, solve puzzles, or engage in friendly competition with these best game apps for airplane mode.
Alto’s Odyssey
Not sure what apps to play on airplane mode? Alto’s Odyssey is a mesmerizing sandboarding adventure that lets you soar through breathtaking landscapes, master tricks, and find serenity in a world of endless wonder.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Endless sandboarding action across beautifully crafted landscapes.
- Relaxing gameplay with stunning visuals.
- Offline mode for uninterrupted gaming.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the best app games for airplane mode. This visually stunning puzzle game that challenges your perception as you navigate through impossible architecture, unlocking a world of beauty and brain-teasing mysteries.
Price: Paid app.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A visually mesmerizing puzzle game.
- Navigate through impossible architecture and optical illusions.
- Engaging storyline and challenging puzzles.
Subway Surfers
While not all best game apps for airplane mode will tickle your fancy, some are just a classic.
Subway Surfers is an endless runner game that takes you on a thrilling ride through vibrant cityscapes, where you dodge obstacles and collect power-ups in a fast-paced, graffiti-filled adventure.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Endless running game with colorful and vibrant graphics.
- Evade obstacles and collect power-ups.
- Frequent updates with new in-game challenges.
Plague Inc.
Plague Inc. is a strategy game that puts you in control of a deadly pathogen, challenging you to infect the world and outsmart efforts to stop the outbreak, making it both thought-provoking and thrilling. Even if it’s not your definition of best app games for airplane mode, at least you’ll have a new game on your phone.
Price: Paid app.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A strategy game where you design and evolve a deadly pathogen.
- Infect the world while combating efforts to stop the outbreak.
- Realistic simulation and complex strategies.
Crossy Road
Crossy Road is another classic game and one of the best game apps for airplane mode. This fun and addictive endless hopper game that lets you guide a range of characters across busy roads, rivers, and more, in a colorful and retro-inspired adventure.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Endless hopper game with retro-inspired graphics.
- Cross roads, rivers, and other obstacles.
- A wide variety of characters to unlock.
2048
2048 is a deceptively simple yet highly addictive puzzle game, where you slide and combine tiles to reach the elusive ‘2048’ tile, testing your strategic thinking with each move. As far as apps to play on a plane go, this one’s worth the download.
Price: Free, with ads.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A simple yet addictive puzzle game.
- Combine tiles to reach the coveted “2048” tile.
- Leaderboard for challenging friends and players worldwide.
Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a charming farming simulation game that lets you cultivate crops, raise animals, mine for resources, and build the farm of your dreams in a relaxing, open-ended world.
Price: Paid app.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A farming simulation game with a rich, open-ended world.
- Grow crops, raise animals, mine, fish, and more.
- Engaging storyline and charming characters.
These gaming apps offer a diverse range of experiences, from mind-bending puzzles to high-speed action, all accessible in airplane mode. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a die-hard enthusiast, you’re in for hours of entertainment during your flight.
The Best Airplane Apps for Trip Planning
When you’re jetting off to new destinations, these best apps for long flights make trip planning a breeze, even when you’re in airplane mode. Here are seven best apps for airplane mode to help you organize every aspect of your journey.
Google Maps
When it comes to a reliable GPS app that works in airplane mode – there’s one obvious choice. The Google Maps app help you find your way, discover new places, and access maps and directions even without an internet connection.
Price: Free.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Download maps for offline navigation.
- Find local businesses, restaurants, and attractions.
- Get real-time traffic updates and public transportation information.
TripAdvisor
Not sure what to download for a flight? Why not put the last few finishing touches on your travel itinerary? The TripAdvisor app offers traveler reviews, recommendations, and offline city guides to make your journey unforgettable, all from the palm of your hand.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Read traveler reviews and ratings for accommodations, restaurants, and attractions.
- Download city guides for offline access.
- Plan itineraries and explore things to do.
Airbnb
You might not think of Airbnb initially when you think best apps for airplane mode, but the Airbnb app is your key to unlocking unique accommodations around the world, with offline booking details to make every trip feel like a home away from home.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Browse and book unique accommodations worldwide.
- Communicate with hosts and receive booking details offline.
- Save your favorite listings for future reference.
TripIt
The TripIt app creates master itineraries from your booking confirmations and offers offline access to your flight details and plans, so you’re always in control, even when offline. While it’s not as fun as the best game apps for airplane mode, this one might still come in handy.
Price: Free, with a paid Pro version.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Organize travel itineraries in one place.
- Forward booking confirmations to create a master itinerary.
- Access your travel plans offline, including flight details and directions.
XE Currency Converter
The XE Currency Converter app is your go-to tool for quick and accurate currency conversions, available offline, ensuring you’re never caught off guard by exchange rates during your travels. Apps for airplane mode can also be used offline while you’re traveling – so keep this one handy during your trip.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Accurate currency conversion for international trips.
- Access to live exchange rates offline.
- Historical currency charts for reference.
Maps.me
In terms of good apps for airplane mode, the Maps.me app is another handy one. Offering detailed maps and directions for your destination, even when you’re without an internet connection, making it a must-have for travelers.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Detailed offline maps for navigating without an internet connection.
- Points of interest, hiking trails, and bicycle routes.
- Bookmark and share your favorite locations.
PackPoint
The PackPoint app is your smart packing assistant, creating customized packing lists based on your trip type and the weather forecast, ensuring you never forget an essential item when traveling.
Price: Free, with in-app purchases.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Create custom packing lists based on the type of trip and the weather.
- Offline access to your packing lists for reference.
- Share your lists with travel companions.
With these best apps for airplane mode trip planning, you can map out your journey, book accommodations, navigate foreign streets, and even pack like a pro, all while in airplane mode. Enjoy a seamless travel experience with these valuable trip planning companions.
The Best Airplane Apps for Working
For those who can’t afford to hit pause on productivity while in-flight, these airplane mode apps are your wingmen for getting work done, even in airplane mode. Here are some top apps that work on airplane mode to boost your productivity and stay on top of your tasks.
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
The Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) app is your mobile office on the go, allowing you to create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, even when you’re offline, so work never stops.
Price: Free with limited features, paid Office 365 subscription for full functionality.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Create, edit, and collaborate on documents, spreadsheets, and presentations offline.
- Sync changes when you’re back online.
- Easy access to cloud storage for file backup.
Evernote
The Evernote app is your digital notebook and one of the best apps for plane rides – especially for creatives and those who need to stay productive. It’s perfect for jotting down notes, organizing ideas, and setting reminders, all accessible offline to keep your thoughts in one place, whether you’re on a plane or anywhere else.
Price: Free, with a premium option.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Take notes, organize ideas, and set reminders.
- Work offline and sync when you’re connected again.
- Clip web articles, images, and documents for reference.
Trello
When you think of the best apps for long flights, Trello might not be the first one to come to mind, but if you need to stay productive you might want to consider giving this one a try.
The Trello app helping you visually organize tasks, collaborate with teams, and keep track of projects, whether you’re online or offline, so you stay on top of your work.
Price: Free, with a premium option.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Visual project management with boards, lists, and cards.
- Offline access to boards for making and reviewing changes.
- Collaborate with team members on tasks and projects.
Google Drive
The Google Drive app offers secure storage and easy access to your documents and files, even without an internet connection, so your work is always at your fingertips. That qualifies it as one of the best apps for flying in our book.
Price: Free, with options for additional storage.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Store and access files, documents, and presentations.
- Collaborate and edit documents offline.
- Sync changes when you’re connected again.
Forest: Stay Focused
The Forest: Stay Focused app is your productivity partner, helping you stay on track and minimize distractions by growing virtual trees during work sessions, making your time more focused and rewarding.
Price: Paid app.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- A productivity app that encourages focus and minimizes distractions.
- Plant virtual trees during work sessions, which grow when you stay focused.
- A simple and engaging way to track and improve your productivity.
These best apps for airplane mode might not be your work essentials but they’re great for professionals who need to remain productive and organized during flights. Whether it’s drafting reports, managing projects, or keeping your ideas in one place, these best apps for airplane mode are your trusted allies in achieving your work and productivity goals.
How Air Doctor Can Help
Air Doctor is a must-have apps for travelers.
The app connects travelers to a global network of local, multi-lingual doctors, ensuring 24/7 access to quality, appropriate medical assistance from anywhere in the world.
Price: Free to download.
Locations: Active in 75 countries.
Available: iOS and Android
Features:
- Global Medical Network: Over 20,000 multi-lingual doctors and specialists.
- Visit Flexibility: Choice of clinic, at-home (hotel), and video consultations.
- Language Support: Access medical assistance and customer support in multiple languages.
- Prescription Services: Get valid, local prescriptions and medications from qualified medical providers.
- 24/7 Support: Our multi-lingual support team is here to guide you every step of the way (day or night).
- Most Common Medical Specialties: Access GPs, pediatricians, dentists, ophthalmologists, dermatologists, gynecologists, and orthopedic specialists.
- Easy-to-Use App: The app is user-friendly – easily browse doctors and schedule an appointment in just a few taps and get a confirmation in up to 45 minutes.
- Partnered With Leading Insurers: We’re partnered with leading insurance providers around the globe to offer cashless (no out-of-pocket expenses) and claimless (no lengthy claims processes) customer experience.
