Best Long Flight Games to Keep Everyone Happy
As a parent who's spent countless hours gaming with my kids on long flights, I've learned that the right games can make all the difference between a fun trip and a frustrating one. When it comes to...
January 17, 2026 · 7 min read
Mom of two, gamer for life. I find the best games you can actually finish between school runs and bedtime stories.
As a parent who's spent countless hours gaming with my kids on long flights, I've learned that the right games can make all the difference between a fun trip and a frustrating one. When it comes to finding the best games for long flights, there are a few key things to consider: engaging storylines, intuitive controls, and the ability to play in short bursts.
10. Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series
Telltale Games · HBO
Dec 2, 2014
Game of Thrones: A TellTale Games Series is an episodic adventure game developed by TellTale Games and based on the famous HBO TV-show Game of Thro…
Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series is an excellent choice for long flights, thanks to its engaging storyline and episodic structure. You play as a member of House Forrester, navigating the complex world of Westeros and making tough decisions that impact the story. The game's point-and-click mechanics make it easy to play in short sessions, and the narrative is compelling enough to keep you invested.
The game's focus on storytelling and character development means that you can pick up where you left off without feeling lost, even after a long break. This makes it perfect for playing on a long flight, where you may not have the chance to play for hours on end.
9. Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey
Funcom · Empire Interactive
Apr 17, 2006
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey, winner of multiple E3 awards as the best game in its genre, is the continuation of a saga that began in the award-w…
Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is another great option for long flights, with a rich storyline and engaging characters. The game's RPG elements and puzzle-solving make it a great choice for players looking for a challenge. The game's world is complex and immersive, with a deep narrative that explores themes of identity and reality.
One of the standout features of Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is its characters, who are well-developed and relatable. The game's story is also heavily focused on player choice, with decisions that impact the narrative and its multiple endings.
The Longest Journey" loading="lazy" />8. The Long Dark
The Long Dark
Hinterland Studio Inc.
Aug 1, 2017
Welcome to The Long Dark, the innovative exploration-survival experience Wired magazine calls "the pinnacle of an entire genre". The game is a thou…
The Long Dark is a survival game that challenges players to stay alive in the harsh wilderness of Canada. The game's focus on exploration and survival makes it a great choice for players looking for a more meditative experience. The game's world is vast and immersive, with a day-night cycle and dynamic weather that adds to the sense of realism.
One of the key features of The Long Dark is its crafting system, which allows players to craft tools and shelter using resources found in the environment. The game's survival mechanics are also challenging, with hunger, thirst, and fatigue all playing a role in the player's survival.
7. The Longest Journey
The Longest Journey
Funcom
Nov 19, 1999
The Longest Journey is an amazing graphical adventure, where the player controls the protagonist, April Ryan, on her journey between parallel unive…
The Longest Journey is a classic adventure game that follows the story of April Ryan, a young woman with the ability to shift between parallel universes. The game's puzzle-solving and exploration make it a great choice for players looking for a more cerebral experience. The game's world is rich and immersive, with a complex narrative that explores themes of identity and reality.
One of the standout features of The Longest Journey is its characters, who are well-developed and relatable. The game's story is also heavily focused on player choice, with decisions that impact the narrative and its multiple endings.
6. Other notable mentions
Other games that are great for long flights include puzzle games like Tetris and Candy Crush Saga, which are easy to pick up and play in short sessions. Strategy games like Civilization VI and XCOM 2 are also great options, offering a more challenging experience that can be played in short bursts.
5. Overcooked 2
Overcooked 2 is a cooking simulation game that's perfect for playing with kids on long flights. The game's chaotic gameplay and focus on teamwork make it a great choice for players looking for a more social experience. The game's levels are also designed to be played in short sessions, making it a great option for long flights.
One of the standout features of Overcooked 2 is its multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up and play together. The game's levels are also designed to be challenging, with obstacles and hazards that require players to work together to overcome.
4. Stardew Valley
Stardew Valley is a farming simulation game that's great for playing on long flights. The game's relaxing gameplay and focus on building and managing a farm make it a great choice for players looking for a more calming experience. The game's world is also rich and immersive, with a complex narrative that explores themes of community and sustainability.
One of the standout features of Stardew Valley is its crafting system, which allows players to craft tools and items using resources found in the environment. The game's farming mechanics are also challenging, with factors like weather and pests that impact crop yields.
3. Terraria
Terraria is an action-adventure game that's great for playing on long flights. The game's focus on exploration and mining makes it a great choice for players looking for a more fast-paced experience. The game's world is also procedurally generated, offering a high level of replayability.
One of the standout features of Terraria is its crafting system, which allows players to craft tools and items using resources found in the environment. The game's combat mechanics are also challenging, with a variety of enemies and bosses to fight.
2. Minecraft
Minecraft is a sandbox game that's perfect for playing on long flights. The game's creative freedom and focus on building and exploration make it a great choice for players of all ages. The game's world is also procedurally generated, offering a high level of replayability.
One of the standout features of Minecraft is its multiplayer mode, which allows players to team up and build together. The game's survival mechanics are also challenging, with factors like hunger and health that impact the player's survival.
1. Inside
Inside is a puzzle-platformer game that's great for playing on long flights. The game's challenging puzzles and atmospheric soundtrack make it a great choice for players looking for a more cerebral experience. The game's world is also rich and immersive, with a complex narrative that explores themes of identity and control.
One of the standout features of Inside is its puzzles, which are challenging and require careful thought to solve. The game's atmosphere is also noteworthy, with a haunting soundtrack and beautiful graphics that draw the player in.
When it comes to finding the best games for long flights, there are many great options to choose from. Whether you're looking for a challenging puzzle game or a more relaxing experience, there's something on this list for everyone.