9 Ways to Keep Entertained on Those Long, Almost Unbearable Flights.

I've always had a love-hate relationship with flying.

I love looking out the window and seeing the world from above. I love the thrill of taking off and landing. I love disconnecting from my phone for a bit.

But I hate cramped seats with no legroom, numb butts, and mysterious airplane food. Which brings me to this-- How do I survive those long, almost unbearable flights?

Everyone has his or her own opinion on what's considered a long flight. Is it 5hr? 9hr? 16hr? It all depends on the person. For me, my longest flight was from Atlanta, Georgia to Johannesburg, South Africa at 16hr 35 min--currently the second longest non-stop commercial flight. Talk about brutal. Here are 9 ways I survived and kept entertained.

1.) Catch up on trashy magazines.

People. Star. Cosmo. You name it. While you're surrounded by strangers now's the time to catch up on those magazines that you might be a little embarrassed to admit that you read.

2.) Watch a movie or TV show

Nowadays most airline companies have personal TV screens on each seat and with the touch of a button you have access to tons of movies and TV shows including plenty of new releases. Time to try that new series you've had your eye on!

3.) Listen to Music

I cannot stress enough to download music before your flight and bring a pair of good headphones! (Preferably ones that are noise-cancelling because of the slim chance there is a screaming baby on your flight)

4.) Old-School Entertainment

When I say old-school I mean no screens, no technology. This means crossword puzzles, sudoku, adult coloring books, or the like. I have this one book that I recently got from Barnes&Noble that gives you a drawing prompt and then you doodle it on the page. So entertaining.

5.) People watch.

There's no better place to people watch than on an airplane. People come from so many different cities, states, countries; it is quite entertaining to take a guess in your head. Just don't stare too long... That could make for one awkward trip. Also don't start picking out people who look like potential terrorists. Let's be honest we all do it.

6.) Eat.

So.. normally people don't want to eat out of boredom, but when trapped in a plane for hours that rule is thrown out the window. Bring snacks. Not only will time pass slowly if you are hungry (AKA miserable), but eating also gives you something to do, thereby passing time.

7.) Take Pictures.

Okay this one won't keep you entertained for too long, but go ahead be that basic bitch and take those basic airplane photos looking out the window. You know you want to.

8.) Read a book.

People tend you be so busy in their day-to-day lives that they rarely have the time to just sit back, relax, and read a good book. What better time than when you're stuck in the air for hours? Also if you're feeling it, bring a guide book so you're ready for your destination when you land.

9.) Look out the window.

If you have a window seat, look out the window at the clouds and find shapes. I know, it's lame, but I mean hey it kills time. Who knows you might get so bored you'll finally fall asleep... or you'll just find a cloud that looks like a bunny.