What to Download Before a Long Flight to Asia With No Wi-Fi

Use this checklist while you still have reliable Wi-Fi.

Quick download list

Before the airport, download:

Essential

• boarding passes
• hotel/address information
• travel insurance
• passport/visa copies
• onward booking details
• offline maps
• airline app data

Useful

• music
• podcasts
• films/TV
• ebooks
• language audio
• language flashcards
• offline translation packs

Smart backups

• bank support numbers
• emergency contacts
• airport transport notes
• screenshots of anything that normally lives in an app

Offline maps

Download your arrival city.

Do this even if you bought an eSIM.

Your eSIM can fail. Airport Wi-Fi can be awkward. Your phone can take time to connect.

An offline map gives you a baseline. Bear in mind that offline, Google Maps only gives driving directions: walking and public-transport directions need data. You can still see the map and your location.

Hotel address

Save:

• hotel name
• full address
• map pin
• local-language version if useful

Do not assume your accommodation app will load the second you land.

Language learning

A long flight is genuinely useful study time if the material works offline.

For a language such as Thai, useful downloads include:

• pronunciation audio
• tone drills
• beginner dialogues
• flashcards
• alphabet practice
• short listening exercises

Avoid downloading one 10-hour course and pretending you will study for the entire flight.

A few structured blocks work better.

Video downloads

If using a subscription service, confirm:

• subscription is active
• download completed
• video actually plays in aeroplane mode
• downloads have not expired

MP3/audio lessons

Audio is ideal on a flight because:

• battery use is low
• no screen required
• you can repeat phrases
• files are small

Store the actual files locally where possible rather than assuming streaming access.

China connection warning

If your route includes mainland China, remember that some Western services are blocked.

That makes offline preparation even more valuable.

A connection that works in Bangkok may not work the same way in Guangzhou. See the China apps, internet and payments guide and the Guangzhou layover guide if that's part of your route.

Battery

Bring a charged power bank that complies with airline rules. Under UK rules in force since 27 March 2026:

• power banks go in your hand luggage only, never in checked bags
• a maximum of two per person
• they must not be recharged on board, and shouldn't be used to charge devices on board
• up to 100Wh is allowed; 100–160Wh needs airline approval; over 160Wh is banned

Domestic flights within China also require a visible 3C (CCC) safety mark on power banks.

Also:

• charging cable
• plug adapter for destination
• wired option if your Bluetooth battery dies, if you have one

Individual airlines can be stricter, so check your airline's own power-bank rules before you fly.

The five-minute aeroplane-mode test

Before leaving your house:

1. turn on aeroplane mode
2. turn Wi-Fi off
3. open boarding pass
4. open map
5. play downloaded video
6. play language audio
7. open hotel address

If something fails, fix it while you still have internet.

Heading to Thailand specifically? See the essential apps guide and the Thailand first-timer guide for what to set up before you land.