Best Podcasts for Long Flights

A long flight is perfect for catching up on podcasts. Here are the best shows to download before boarding your next 5-10+ hour flight.

Long-Form Storytelling (2-3 Hours Each)

The Joe Rogan Experience

2-3 hour conversations that make flights disappear. Download 2-3 episodes and you'll cover a 6-9 hour flight.

Best for flights because:

• Episodes are 2-3 hours long (perfect for long hauls)
• Conversational style is easy to follow
• Diverse topics keep you engaged
• No need to switch podcasts mid-flight

Lex Fridman Podcast

Deep intellectual conversations (2-4 hours). Perfect for international flights when you want substance.

Binge-Worthy Series (60-90 Min Episodes)

Huberman Lab

Science deep-dives (60-90 min). Download 4-5 episodes on topics you're curious about.

Flight-friendly topics:

• Sleep science (perfect for jet lag prep)
• Focus and productivity
• Nutrition and health
• Exercise optimization

How I Built This

Founder stories (45-60 min each). Queue up 6-8 episodes for an inspiring flight.

News & Analysis (Perfect for Takeoff/Landing)

The Daily (25-30 Minutes)

Deep news analysis. Save 2-3 recent episodes for takeoff and descent when you can't use screens.

Entertainment (Light & Engaging)

SmartLess

Celebrity interviews with Will Arnett, Jason Bateman, and Sean Hayes. Light, funny, easy to follow even when tired.

Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend

Hilarious celebrity conversations. Perfect for keeping your mood up during long flights.

Flight Length Recommendations

Short Haul (2-3 Hours)

• 3-4 episodes of The Daily (30 min each)
• 2 episodes of SmartLess (45 min each)
• 1 Huberman Lab episode (90 min)

Medium Haul (5-7 Hours)

• 2 Joe Rogan episodes (2.5 hours each)
• 3 Huberman Lab episodes (90 min each)
• 5 How I Built This episodes (60 min each)

Long Haul (10+ Hours)

• 4 Joe Rogan episodes (10 hours total)
• 6 Huberman Lab episodes (9 hours total)
• Mix: 2 Rogan + 3 Huberman + 2 SmartLess (10+ hours)

Flight Podcast Strategy

Download Before Security

• Airport WiFi is slow and crowded
• Plane WiFi is expensive and unreliable
• Download at home or hotel the night before

Queue Smartly

• Takeoff: Start with something engaging (SmartLess, Conan)
• Cruise: Long-form content (Rogan, Huberman)
• Mid-flight slump: Switch to lighter content
• Landing: News briefings (The Daily, Up First)

Backup Content

• Download 50% more than you think you'll need
• Delays happen — extra episodes are insurance
• Better to have too much than run out mid-flight

What NOT to Listen to on Flights

• True crime before bed flights: Makes it hard to sleep
• Heavy emotional content: Crying in 32B is awkward
• Work-related podcasts: Flights are for escaping work
• Anything requiring note-taking: Hard to write on a plane

Pro Tips

• Use noise-canceling headphones (engine noise is exhausting)
• Start at 1.2x speed (helps you stay focused when tired)
• Download a mix of genres (your mood will change mid-flight)
• Bring a backup charger (international flights drain batteries)

Browse Flight-Ready Podcasts