Travel Necessities: How I Watch Movies on a Plane and While Traveling

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When you travel, the sights and adventures are the main attraction—of course!

But let’s be real: after walking 20,000+ steps, don’t you sometimes just want to crash on a comfy couch or hotel bed with something mindless to watch? Or maybe after a couple of weeks on the road, you’re craving that cozy “at-home” feeling. And what about those rainy days when you’re stuck in your hotel room with nothing to do?

Maybe even more importantly, how do you stay entertained during those long flights or train rides? Watching movies on a plane is a go-to for many travelers—even if you’re not a die-hard movie fan, chances are you’ve queued up a show or a film at some point to pass the time.

After years of traveling, I’ve discovered the ultimate must-haves for enjoying movies on a plane and beyond. These travel essentials make watching movies on a flight, in a hotel, or at an Airbnb just as relaxing and fun as curling up on your couch at home. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever traveled without them!

1. Earphones/Headphones

Photo of Bose Powerbeats Earphones/Headphones showing black earphones on white background

Let’s start with the basics: a good pair of (bluetooth) headphones is a must for any traveler—especially if you love watching movies on a plane.

Great sound is essential, whether you’re trying to hear dialogue over a noisy train station, block out distractions on a flight, or enjoy a late-night movie in your hotel without disturbing anyone, but there are a few other things to keep in mind when choosing headphones for travel:

Size: Will they fit easily in your carry-on? Are they easy to take in-and-out?
Battery Life: How long does the charge last, and how do you recharge them?
Noise-Canceling: Perfect for blocking out airplane noise but not ideal when you need to stay alert walking around–determine your own priorities.
Comfort: Can you wear them for a 12-hour flight without discomfort?
Budget: Consider affordability—especially since headphones are easy to lose while traveling.

I swear by Beats Powerbeats Pro by Bose. They’re compact, charge right in their case, and fit comfortably around my ears. Plus, if I lose the tips (which happens more often than I’d like…), they’re easy and inexpensive to replace. They’ve been a lifesaver for enjoying movies on a plane, train, or even at an Airbnb when I want to watch my own stuff.

2. Mini iPad/Tablet

Photo of a mini-iPad inserted into an airplane seat pocket.

My iPad Mini 6 (or any other similar tablet) is essential for watching movies on a plane or anywhere else. It’s compact, lightweight, and versatile—perfect for streaming movies, reading e-books, or even writing on the go.

Although movies are always best on a big screen, a mini tablet works great for travel. It lets me enjoy movies in a hotel room, on a flight, or even by the pool. With the right cover (I love this one–it rotates and serves as a stand), it fits perfectly into the airplane seat pocket for hands-free viewing.

Before every trip, I download my favorite shows and movies (see note below), so I’m never at the mercy of in-flight entertainment in case I don’t like their options. The iPad Mini 6, with 256 GB storage, gives me plenty of space for movies, books, and travel apps (I have the version that works with Wi-Fi only to save some money and it’s been perfect).

I also use my tablet to read e-books and write in tight spots (with this handy keyboard). It’s my all-in-one entertainment device when I’m traveling.

3. VPN (Virtual Private Network)

For frequent travelers, a VPN (virtual private network) is definitely a must-have. A VPN not only secures your internet connection when using public Wi-Fi (also important while traveling) but a VPN allows you to access your favorite streaming platforms from anywhere in the world.

Watching movies on a plane or in a hotel overseas can be tricky due to geo-restrictions, but with a VPN, you can bypass those limitations. Simply connect to a server in your home country, and you’re free to enjoy your favorite shows and movies wherever you are.

I use NordVPN because it’s easy to install/use, it’s affordable, and it can connect up to 10 devices at once. Plus, if you use my referral link, you’ll get your first three months free—a great deal for any movie-loving traveler!

4. AirFly

Photo of AirFly gadget plugged into headphone jack on airplane seat-back screen.

The AirFly has been a game-changer for how I watch movies on a plane. This small gadget plugs into the airplane headphone jack and connects to your wireless earphones, so you don’t have to rely on those uncomfortable airline-provided headphones.

No more tangled cords or lopsided sound! With the AirFly, I can enjoy the plane’s entertainment system while still using my favorite wireless headphones.

Pro tip: Before your first flight, look up how to pair your earphones with the AirFly—it’s simple but saves time when boarding. Once paired, it connects automatically on future flights. (Obviously this was one I learned the hard way.)

5. Universal Power Adapter

Photo of Epicka power adaptor, great tool for travelers

One of the most practical travel essentials for movie lovers (or really any traveler) is a universal power adapter. Whether you’re watching movies on a plane, at an Airbnb, or in a café, keeping your devices charged is crucial.

This is another one I learned the hard way after arriving in a new country and realizing I couldn’t plug in my charger. Now, I never travel without a reliable adapter that works for outlets worldwide. It keeps my mini iPad, headphones, and other devices powered for non-stop movie marathons!

Again, when figuring out which one to buy, you’ll want to keep in mind the size/portability, your charging requirements (how many products at once will you need to charge/what they need to plug in), and where you might travel. This one from Epicka is my go-to.

Bonus Travel Must-Have for Movie Lovers: Downloaded Movies

Screenshot of movies downloaded on Netflix

I know it’s obvious, but in case you need a reminder: download those movies! Before every trip, I download a variety of movies and shows onto my iPad (and usually one or two to my phone just in case!). Whether it’s a comedy, mystery, or a movie set in my destination, downloaded content ensures I’m always prepared to watch movies on a plane, in a hotel, or during long train rides.

Downloaded movies have saved me more than once—like that time the in-flight entertainment broke on a 10-hour flight. (Cringe!) Having my own pre-selected films turned what could’ve been a frustrating experience into a relaxing one.

These travel must-haves make watching movies on a plane (or anywhere else) as enjoyable as watching at home. Ready to upgrade your travel experience? Click the links to shop my favorite products and make your next trip your most entertaining yet!