If you’re gearing up for another long-haul flight, these audiobooks will make the time fly. If you’re anything like me, the thought of hours upon hours stuck in a metal tube is not appealing, but these audiobooks will keep you entertained, inspired, and ready for whatever adventure lies ahead. Here’s my ultimate list of the best audiobooks for long flights. If you prefer to read actual books, this post has some ideas.
“The Night Circus” by Erin Morgenstern
- Genre: Fantasy
- Narrated by: Jim Dale
- Why it’s perfect: This tale of a magical, mysterious circus that only appears at night is like a dream you don’t want to wake up from. Jim Dale’s narration brings the enchanting world to life, making your flight feel like a whimsical adventure. The lush descriptions and intricate plot will keep your imagination soaring high above the clouds.
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama
- Genre: Biography
- Narrated by: Michelle Obama
- Why it’s perfect: Listening to Michelle Obama’s powerful and inspiring story, narrated by the former First Lady herself, is an intimate experience. It’s like having a heart-to-heart with a close friend. Perfect for when you need some motivation and inspiration during your travels. Her voice carries a warmth and authenticity that makes every word resonate deeply, providing a comforting presence during your flight.
“The Martian” by Andy Weir
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Narrated by: R.C. Bray
- Why it’s perfect: If you’re looking for a gripping, edge-of-your-seat story, “The Martian” is it. The tale of an astronaut stranded on Mars, using his wits to survive, is thrilling and surprisingly humorous. R.C. Bray’s narration adds to the tension and excitement, making it a fantastic choice for any flight. The scientific details and the protagonist’s dry humor will keep you engaged and entertained for hours.
“Dopefiend” by Donald Goines
- Genre: Urban Fiction
- Narrated by: Kevin Kenerly
- Why it’s perfect: This raw and gritty novel offers a look at addiction in the urban landscape. Donald Goines’ unflinching portrayal of life on the streets is brought to life by Kevin Kenerly’s powerful narration. The intense, gripping narrative will keep you on the edge of your seat, making your flight feel shorter than it is.
“Ready Player One” by Ernest Cline
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Narrated by: Wil Wheaton
- Why it’s perfect: Dive into a dystopian future where virtual reality is the ultimate escape. Wil Wheaton’s narration perfectly captures the nostalgic, pop culture-filled adventure, making it an immersive and thrilling experience. Whether you’re a gamer or just a fan of ’80s culture, this audiobook will transport you to another world, making your flight time vanish.
“Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
- Narrated by: Cathleen McCarron
- Why it’s perfect: This charming and heartwarming story about a socially awkward woman finding her way in the world is beautifully narrated by Cathleen McCarron. It’s the perfect mix of humor and emotion, making it a delightful companion for your flight. Eleanor’s journey of self-discovery and the colorful characters she meets will leave you smiling and reflective.
“Dune” by Frank Herbert
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Narrated by: A full cast
- Why it’s perfect: This epic saga of politics, religion, and power on the desert planet of Arrakis is a classic. The full cast narration makes the intricate story even more captivating, perfect for getting lost in another world during a long flight. The rich world-building and complex characters will engross you, making you forget you’re thousands of feet in the air.
“Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens
- Genre: Mystery
- Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
- Why it’s perfect: This atmospheric and beautifully written novel, narrated with warmth and nuance by Cassandra Campbell, tells the story of a young girl growing up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. It’s a poignant and gripping tale that will keep you hooked. The vivid descriptions of the natural world and the touching coming-of-age story provide a deeply immersive experience.
“The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
- Genre: Self-help
- Narrated by: Roger Wayne
- Why it’s perfect: Sometimes, you just need a good dose of no-nonsense advice. Mark Manson’s irreverent and insightful take on living a better life is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a great choice for some in-flight self-improvement. The straightforward, humorous approach will have you re-evaluating your priorities while chuckling at Manson’s blunt honesty.
“Pimp: The Story of My Life” by Iceberg Slim
- Genre: Autobiography
- Narrated by: Cary Hite
- Why it’s perfect: Iceberg Slim’s autobiography is a candid and unfiltered look into the life of a pimp. Cary Hite’s narration captures the raw and often brutal reality of Slim’s experiences, providing a compelling and eye-opening listen. It’s an intense and thought-provoking audiobook that will keep you absorbed from takeoff to landing.
“Falling” by T.J. Newman
- Genre: Thriller
- Narrated by: Steven Weber
- Why it’s perfect: This high-stakes thriller about a pilot whose family is taken hostage mid-flight will keep your adrenaline pumping. Steven Weber’s narration adds to the tension and suspense, making it a perfect choice for a heart-pounding experience at 35,000 feet. The fast-paced plot and relentless action will make your flight time fly by.
Audiobook Tips
- Download Before You Go: Make sure to download your audiobooks before your flight to avoid any in-air connectivity issues. There’s nothing worse than being halfway through a cliffhanger and losing connection!
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: Invest in a good pair of noise-canceling headphones to block out the airplane noise and fully immerse yourself in the story. Trust me, it makes a world of difference.
- Mix It Up: Bring a mix of genres to match your mood during the flight. A little variety keeps things interesting and ensures you have the perfect audiobook for every moment.
Best Audiobook Providers
Here’s a quick guide to some popular audiobook providers, their prices, and the equipment you’ll need to enjoy them:
Audible
Price: Audible Plus $7.95/month, Premium Plus $14.95/month (1 credit/month)
Equipment: Audible app (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), Kindle, Amazon Echo, Bluetooth/wired headphones
Scribd
Price: $11.99/month (access to audiobooks, ebooks, magazines)
Equipment: Scribd app (iOS, Android), web browser, Bluetooth/wired headphones
Google Play Books
Price: Pay-per-book (prices vary)
Equipment: Google Play Books app (iOS, Android), web browser, Bluetooth/wired headphones
Apple Books
Price: Pay-per-book (prices vary)
Equipment: Apple Books app (iOS, macOS), Apple devices, Bluetooth/wired headphones
Kobo Audiobooks
Price: $9.99/month (1 credit/month), Pay-per-book options
Equipment: Kobo app (iOS, Android), Bluetooth/wired headphones
Audiobooks.com
Price: $14.95/month (1 credit/month)
Equipment: Audiobooks.com app (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), Bluetooth/wired headphones
Libro.fm
Price: $14.99/month (1 credit/month), Pay-per-book options
Equipment: Libro.fm app (iOS, Android), Bluetooth/wired headphones
OverDrive/Libby
Price: Free with library card
Equipment: Libby app (iOS, Android), OverDrive app (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS), Bluetooth/wired headphones
Chirp
Price: Pay-per-book (discounted deals)
Equipment: Chirp app (iOS, Android), Bluetooth/wired headphones
Hoopla
Price: Free with your library card
Equipment: Hoopla app (iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Roku, Apple TV), web browser, Bluetooth/wired headphones
Final Thoughts
These audiobooks are not just time-fillers; they’re companions for your journey, turning long flights into opportunities for adventure, introspection, and even a bit of self-improvement. Whether you’re an Audible aficionado or a Scribd subscriber, there’s a perfect audiobook waiting to keep you company.
Safe travels! ✈️📚
