Packing your phone for a long flight

There's a particular panic when the plane doors close and you realise your game needs to download an update. I've been there. Here's how I prep now.

First, open every game at home on wifi and let it finish its first-run downloads. Many games pull extra assets on launch, and that counts as 'offline' in no studio's dictionary.

Second, mix genres. A single long game gets tiring. I'll bring a slow sim like Tiny Harbor Town, something story-driven like Hollowreach, and a quick puzzler for when I can't focus.

Third, mind the battery. Turn-based and management games sip power; racers and bright 3D games gulp it. Plan accordingly if there's no seat charger.

Finally, airplane mode isn't just a courtesy — it stops background apps from draining everything. Switch it on before you forget.