24 Best Songs for Airplane Rides: Your Ultimate In-Flight Playlist

1. Bitter Sweet Symphony

Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

Melodic Calm: The song's sweeping strings and mellow tempo create a soothing soundscape perfect for calming pre-flight jitters or blocking out airplane noise.

Introspective Lyrics: The melancholic yet beautiful lyrics offer a distraction from travel anxieties, allowing for quiet reflection during your journey.

Length & Structure: At a manageable length, "Bitter Sweet Symphony" won't overstay its welcome during your flight, fitting comfortably between other tracks on your playlist.

2. On Top Of The World - Night Visions (Deluxe)

Uplifting Melody: "On Top Of The World" boasts an anthemic melody that's both uplifting and surprisingly calming, perfect for overcoming any pre-flight jitters or battling mid-flight boredom.

Driving Beat: The song's driving beat provides a subtle energy boost without being overwhelming, ideal for maintaining focus during a long flight or simply enjoying the journey.

Positive Vibes: Its optimistic lyrics and powerful vocals create a consistently positive listening experience, making it an excellent choice for escaping the stresses of air travel.

3. Paper Planes (2007)

Driving Beat: M.I.A.'s "Paper Planes" boasts a relentless, propulsive beat that keeps you engaged and energized, perfect for overcoming the monotony of a long flight.

Unique Soundscape: The song's distinctive blend of hip-hop, electronic, and world music elements creates a captivating soundscape that feels both familiar and exciting, ideal for blocking out airplane noise.

Short, Catchy Length: At under 4 minutes, "Paper Planes" is the ideal length for repeated listens on a flight without becoming repetitive; it's a perfect mood booster for any stage of your journey.

4. Best Day Of My Life (2014)

Best Day Of My Life

Artist: American Authors

Upbeat Tempo: The song's infectious rhythm and driving beat provide a perfect distraction from any travel anxieties, making it ideal for blocking out airplane noise.

Positive Vibes: Its relentlessly optimistic lyrics and soaring vocals create a feel-good atmosphere, helping to elevate your mood during the flight.

Singalong Potential: The catchy melody and relatable lyrics make it easy to sing along, which can help pass the time and even connect with fellow passengers (if you're feeling brave!).

5. Drunk on a Plane (2014)

Upbeat Tempo: "Drunk on a Plane" boasts a catchy, upbeat tempo perfect for lifting your spirits during a potentially monotonous flight.

Relatable Lyrics: The song's humorous lyrics about escaping everyday life resonate with the feeling of adventure and escape often associated with air travel.

Easy Listening: Dierks Bentley's smooth vocals and the song's overall cheerful vibe make it an ideal choice for background music during your flight, without being overly distracting.

6. The Zephyr Song (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

Upbeat Tempo: "The Zephyr Song" boasts a driving, yet relaxed rhythm perfect for easing the monotony of a long flight.

Chill Vibe: Its mellow yet catchy melodies create a soothing soundscape ideal for airplane listening, helping to block out distracting noises.

Familiar Comfort: The Red Hot Chili Peppers' recognizable sound provides a sense of comfort and familiarity, a welcome distraction during air travel.

7. To Build A Home (Ma Fleur - 2025)

Sound: "To Build A Home" features a mellow, atmospheric soundscape perfect for calming pre-flight jitters or creating a sense of peaceful detachment during the flight itself.

Vocals: Patrick Watson's soothing vocals are ideal for blocking out engine noise and ambient sounds often associated with air travel.

Emotional Impact: The song's reflective and hopeful tone offers a comforting and introspective listening experience, making it a great companion for those long hours in the air.

8. Follow The Sun

Sound: Follow The Sun features a mellow acoustic guitar riff and relaxed percussion, creating a calming soundscape perfect for blocking out airplane noise.

Vocals: Xavier Rudd's soothing vocals and laid-back delivery contribute to the song's tranquil atmosphere, making it ideal for unwinding during a flight.

Emotional Impact: The song's positive and uplifting vibe helps to alleviate travel-related stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of peace and relaxation.

9. Aces High (Iron Maiden)

Upbeat Tempo: Aces High boasts a driving, energetic rhythm that's perfect for overcoming the monotony of a long flight, keeping you alert and engaged.

Anthemic Quality: The soaring vocals and powerful instrumentation create a sense of epic adventure, ideal for mentally escaping the confines of the airplane cabin.

Distraction from Travel Anxieties: Its captivating sound and familiar, powerful melodies provide a welcome distraction, helping to ease any pre-flight or in-flight anxieties.

10. Maybe Tomorrow (2003)

Sound: Stereophonics' "Maybe Tomorrow" boasts a mellow, driving rhythm perfect for the gentle hum of an airplane engine; its steady tempo won't jar you awake during crucial sleep cycles.

Vocals: Kelly Jones' distinctive vocals are soothing and calming, offering a comfortable listening experience that won't be overly stimulating during your flight.

Emotional Impact: The song's reflective and somewhat melancholic tone provides a pleasant backdrop for contemplation, ideal for those long stretches of uninterrupted thought during air travel.