Traveling can often be a mix of excitement and tedious waiting, especially when you’re stuck on a plane for hours. What better way to make time fly by than diving into a good book? Whether you’re looking for laughs, thrills, romance, or adventure, we’ve rounded up a list of books to read on a plane that are perfect companions for your sky-high journey. From tales of self-discovery to narratives that whisk you away to distant lands, these books on flight promise to keep you entertained from take-off to touchdown. Let’s buckle up and explore the best reads to take on your next flight!
1. “What Was I Doing While You Were Breeding” by Kristin Newman0
This hilariously candid memoir by TV writer Kristin Newman is like taking a trip around the world without leaving your seat. Newman shares her adventures (and misadventures) in love and travel as she explores the globe while her friends were settling down, getting married, and having kids. It’s a refreshing take on solo travel and the quest for self-discovery, making it a good book to read on plane for anyone looking to escape into a world of exotic destinations and romantic escapades. Newman’s witty writing and relatable experiences make the hours melt away.
2. “Can You Keep a Secret?” by Sophie Kinsella
Sophie Kinsella’s knack for creating relatable, funny, and heartwarming stories shines in this delightful romantic comedy. Imagine spilling your darkest secrets to a stranger on a plane, only to discover he’s your company’s elusive CEO. What unfolds is a series of miscommunications, blush-worthy encounters, and the possibility of love. Kinsella’s easy-to-read style and the book’s laugh-out-loud moments make it an ideal pick for a light, entertaining read that will keep you hooked till the last page.
3. “Paris: The Novel” by Edward Rutherfurd
If by any chance you’re on a plane to the ‘love’ city of France, then this should be an instant pick for you especially if you’re a history buff with a penchant for romance. “Paris: The Novel” offers a sprawling narrative that brings the city of love to life. Rutherfurd masterfully weaves together stories of families across generations, set against the backdrop of Paris’s most historic events. It’s a book that demands a bit more focus but rewards readers with richly painted scenes of love, betrayal, and ambition. As you fly towards your destination, let this epic tale transport you through the centuries of one of the world’s most enchanting cities.
4. “The Woman in Cabin 10” by Ruth Ware
For those who love a good mystery, Ruth Ware’s “The Woman in Cabin 10” is a thrilling page-turner that’s hard to put down. The story follows a travel journalist who believes she witnessed a murder on a luxury cruise ship, only to be met with disbelief. Ware crafts a tense, claustrophobic atmosphere that’s perfect for readers who enjoy a dose of suspense with their adventure. It’s a gripping read that will make you forget you’re flying at 35,000 feet.
5. “People We Met on Vacation” by Emily Henry
Emily Henry’s charming romance novel is like a warm, sunny day encapsulated in pages. It tells the story of two best friends with opposite personalities who share a tradition of going on a yearly vacation together until one trip goes awry. The book is a beautiful exploration of friendship, love, and finding yourself. Its engaging narrative and endearing characters make it one of the great books for long flights.
6. “Fly Girl: A Memoir” by Ann Hood
“Fly Girl” offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a flight attendant in the 1970s. Ann Hood shares her experiences of flying the friendly skies during an era of glamour, adventure, and cultural change. It’s a captivating memoir that not only entertains but also provides an insightful look into the aviation industry’s past. This book is a compelling read for anyone interested in travel or history, making those air miles breeze by.
7. “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail” by Cheryl Strayed
Cheryl Strayed’s powerful memoir is an ode to the transformative power of nature and the strength of the human spirit. Following the death of her mother, Strayed embarks on a solo hike across the Pacific Crest Trail, unprepared and alone. It’s a raw, emotional journey that speaks to the heart of anyone who’s ever felt lost. “Wild” is an inspiring read that will make you contemplate your own life’s journey as you soar above the clouds.
8. “Home by Seven” by Steph Jeavons
This enthralling memoir tells the story of Steph Jeavons, the first British woman to circumnavigate the globe on a motorcycle, visiting all seven continents. Her tales of resilience, adventure, and the kindness of strangers are both uplifting and thrilling. It’s a book that ignites the wanderlust in all of us, making it one of the best books to read on the plane for those looking to escape into a world of adventure.
9. “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
No list of plane reads would be complete without a classic, and “Pride and Prejudice” is as delightful today as it was in the 19th century. Jane Austen’s tale of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is filled with wit, romance, and social commentary. It’s a timeless story that offers a comforting retreat from the modern world, proving that some tales truly are universal.
10. “Seven Years in Tibet” by Heinrich Harrer
For the adventurous spirit, Heinrich Harrer’s account of his escape from a British internment camp in India during World War II, leading to his extraordinary life in Tibet, is both a historical document and an adventure tale. It offers a unique glimpse into Tibetan culture through the eyes of a foreigner who became a close friend of the Dalai Lama. This book is an engaging read that combines adventure, spirituality, and history, making it one of the best books to read on plane and an enriching way to pass the time on a flight.
11. “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie
Agatha Christie’s masterpiece, “And Then There Were None,” is arguably one of the greatest mystery novels ever written. The story begins with ten strangers, each with a secret, invited to a remote island under various pretences. One by one, they start to die, following a sinister nursery rhyme. Christie’s ingeniously plotted tale keeps you guessing until the very end. Its suspenseful atmosphere is perfect for those who enjoy a puzzle, making your flight time disappear into the twists and turns of this classic whodunit.
12. “Wind, Sand and Stars” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
This lyrical memoir by the author of “The Little Prince” recounts his experiences as a mail pilot in the early days of aviation, navigating the dangerous skies above the Sahara Desert, the Andes Mountains, and more. Saint-Exupéry reflects on the nature of adventure, friendship, and the human spirit, offering profound insights that resonate deeply with readers. “Wind, Sand and Stars” is an experience that replicates the feeling of meditation on life’s beauty and hardships, making it one of the best books for long flights and a thought-provoking companion for your aerial journey.
13. “Mother of God” by Paul Rosolie
For those who yearn for the wild and the untamed, “Mother of God” is an exhilarating read. In this gripping memoir, naturalist Paul Rosolie takes us into the heart of the Amazon rainforest, where he encounters anacondas, jaguars, and tribes untouched by modern civilization. Rosolie’s passionate narrative about conservation and his adventures in one of the earth’s last great wildernesses is both thrilling and enlightening. It’s a vivid reminder of the wonders that lie beyond our city limits, ideal for the environmentally conscious traveller.
14. “Just One Day” by Gayle Forman
Gayle Forman’s “Just One Day” is a beautifully written story of love, identity, and the transformative power of travel. It follows Allyson Healey, who, on the last day of her European tour, makes an impulsive decision to spend one day in Paris with a Dutch actor she just met, leading to an adventure that changes her life. This novel is a heartwarming and emotional journey that explores the impact of stepping out of your comfort zone and the connections you make with others. It’s the perfect read for those who dream of romance and adventure in far-off places.
15. “Taste” by Stanley Tucci
Actor and food enthusiast Stanley Tucci invites readers into his life through the lens of his love for food in “Taste.” This memoir is a delightful blend of personal anecdotes, family recipes, and reflections on the role of food in our lives. Tucci’s warmth, humour, and passion for culinary arts shine through every page, making it a mouthwatering read that’s hard to put down. Whether you’re a foodie or just someone who enjoys stories told with heart and humour, “Taste” offers a savory escape to indulge in during your flight.
Conclusion
No matter where you’re headed, a good book can be the perfect travel companion, making those long hours in the air fly by. From laugh-out-loud memoirs to gripping mysteries, heartwarming romances, and awe-inspiring adventures, there’s a book on this list for every type of traveller. So, the next time you’re packing for a flight, remember to leave a little room in your carry-on for a great read. Happy travels, and even happier reading!