Travel can be tedious.
Sure, it’s a privilege and an adventure and there are so many amazing benefits to be gained by exploring the world and meeting new people … but getting there? Getting there can be a SNOOZE.
You can pass the time on your phone but even that can only hold your attention for so long. If you need an escape while en route to your escape, the only real remedy is a good book. (It’s true. Books are the entertainment medium that have truly stood the test of time.)
Here’s a roundup of great books to read on your next flight, from quickies to pick up at the airport kiosk to intense reads that might keep you flipping pages all the way to your hotel …
Airplane Reads: Easy and breezy
It can be tricky to get invested in a story when you’re juggling multiple short flights and rushing through connections so these are good books for airplane reading that are easy to start and stop.
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
A classic enemies-to-lovers romcom about two colleagues competing for a promotion at work.
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
A sweet and swoony romance with a fake dating trope between a PhD student and her professor.
The Coincidence of Coconut Cake by Amy E. Reichert
A delicious story about a chef and a food critic who cross paths after he writes an unfavourable review.
Airplane Reads: Stories with a travel theme
You’re in the skies and on the road and so are the characters in these good books for airplane reading on travel.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
A feel-good romcom about besties on their annual vacation.
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle
A moving tale about travelling the Amalfi Coast while mourning a loss.
Airplane Reads: Non-fiction for everyone
Not into fiction or fairy tales? Here’s some serious non-fiction for your travels.
The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton
A philosophical read that reflects on why people travel and and explore.
An iconic travelogue about the mysterious and captivating region of Patagonia.
Airplane Reads: Books that are also movies
Read the book on your flight to your destination and watch the movie on the way home. Spoiler: the book will be better.
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
A fun (and insightful?) novel about working for a nightmare boss at a top fashion magazine.
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
A dark comedy about friendship, secrets, and murder.
A heart wrenching account of a mother’s love and protection told through the eyes of a five-year-old boy.
Airplane Reads: Long-haul tales
Flying across continents? Make sure you’ve installed a downloadable SIM card (eSIM) so you have cheap data as soon as you land at your destination. (Psst! aloSIM data starts at $4.50/week.)
It just takes two seconds to switch on your eSIM once you arrive, but in the meantime, sit back and get comfortable with these good books for airplane reading on the flights that last all day or all night (or both).
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
A deep exploration of race and identity as told from the perspective of a Nigerian woman living in America.
The Overstory by Richard Powers
A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that weaves together the lives of nine characters with a connection to the trees.
The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton
A dense and complex work of literature about the New Zealand gold rush.
Sinking into a great read can make even the longest flight feel like it’s breezing past. (Well, except for that screaming toddler who keeps whipping small figurines between the seats. Nothing can make that better.) We hope we’ve given some inspo for books to read on your next flight.
