Check before you board
- Install and open every game at home, on Wi-Fi. Many download extra content on first launch.
- Switch on airplane mode and reopen each one. Delete any that complain.
- Charge fully and pack a short cable and a power bank.
- Turn on Low Power Mode once you are in the air.
Games for long flights iPhone players actually finish
| Type | Why it suits a flight |
|---|---|
| Puzzle and word games | Long sessions, low battery use, no reflexes needed in turbulence |
| Story games | Hours of content, pause anywhere |
| Arcade games | Short runs between meals and naps |
| Strategy | Slow, thoughtful, ideal for a long leg |
Avoid free games with ads: most need a connection for the ads and will not run offline.
Games without data iPhone users can rely on at home too
The same games help on a small data plan, roaming abroad or anywhere signal is poor. A truly offline game uses no mobile data at all while you play.
An AR game for when you land
Down The Drone is our first-person AR shooter for iPhone: hostile drone swarms are anchored into your real room, and you turn, aim and fire to hold them off. It is free with no ads and no in-app purchases, plays fully offline, and runs on iPhone 6s or later with iOS 13+. Rated 12+.
It is not one for your seat: you need room to turn and take a step. Save it for the hotel room or the airport lounge, where it plays fully offline with no ads.
Airplane mode etiquette
- Use headphones, or mute the game.
- Dim your screen on night flights.
- Do not play AR games in the aisle.