Fast forward to Thanksgiving and winter break. You’re traveling home, 40,000 feet in the air, soaring through clouds, over rivers, mountains, islands, and streams. Sure, the window has quite a view, but the real sight to see is right before your eyes. The glowing screen attached to the seat in front of you, situated perfectly at eye level, holds the key to your escape from the horrors of economy-class seating.

So feel free to lean your seat as far back as you wish, senselessly crushing the knees of the tall man behind you, and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. In two to 15 hours, family and friends will gather at the baggage claim, awaiting your highly anticipated arrival, but for now, you have all the time in the world. 

How will you spend these few blissful hours high above the noise of the real world? 

Rather than mindlessly scrolling through the photos on your phone, reminiscing over your ex, or meticulously planning your next viral Instagram photo dump, try spending these precious moments exploring the airline’s vast collection of in-flight movie entertainment at your fingertips. I know the options can be overwhelming, and holding your arm in an upright position to scroll through the boundless pages of films can be an exhausting task. But fear not, weary travelers. I am here to help prepare you for your next trip out of our beloved San Diego International Airport. 

My first order of business: Flight Map. Let’s get this one out of the way. Some may find satisfaction in watching a low-resolution airplane graphic inch its way across the Pacific Ocean for hours on end, but I suggest feasting your eyes upon something a bit more substantial. 

Here are a few plane movie picks to keep in mind the next time you travel: 

• WALL-E

Any Pixar movie ever would be a great option, with dazzling shapes and colors coming together to create a heartwarming piece of animation, but “WALL-E” is especially top-tier. Created with silent comedy film influences and minimal dialogue, this timeless tale of robotic romance is the perfect choice for entertainment on an airline that does not provide complimentary headphones … cough, cough … JetBlue. Just be prepared to shed some cathartic tears beside someone you’ve just met.

• Top Gun: Maverick

If you’re looking for a thrill while in the air, the 2022 sequel to “Top Gun” is sure to provide an exhilarating and immersive experience that will leave you feeling on top of the world — even more so than you already are! Filled with realistic flight sequences, you’ll be flying through the sky at top speeds while simultaneously soaring at cruising altitude (insert Tom Cruise joke here). This summer blockbuster hit offers the ideal action-packed storyline to keep you visually captivated while distractions occur all around you; ignore the crying babies, rattling snack carts, or pesky toddlers poking you through the seat and instead, focus your gaze on the spellbinding image of Miles Teller’s neatly coiffed mustache.

• Little Miss Sunshine

Need something a little more grounded? The 2006 dramedy “Little Miss Sunshine” will make you forget entirely that you are floating in a tin can miles above sea level. Depicting a dysfunctional family road trip, this film takes place safely on land, which is not the only sense of comfort it provides. Laughing, crying, and loving Steve Carell are all welcome emotions to feel while not-so-secretly wishing you were a part of the Hoover family’s comical mayhem. 

Honorable Mention: Airplane!

If you’re looking to be a bit meta, this 80s cult-classic film is certain to deliver. Its slew of quotable jokes and brilliant ridiculousness will have you smiling from ear to ear, all while seated within the movie’s airplane setting. I know what you’re thinking: surely you can’t be serious! Well, I am — and don’t call me Shirley. 

This list would not be complete without warning you of movies that you should avoid on your next flight. 

We’ve all experienced peering through the cracks of seats, only to have your eyes land upon a sensual sex scene or the gleaming image of full frontal nudity. You can’t help but wonder, “What kind of weirdo would watch that on a flight full of strangers?” The light from the screen projects onto an old man who seems entranced, his gaze fixed on the wild images before him without a care in the world. Always remember: Whatever movie you choose, the person behind you, the people behind them, and anyone waiting for the restroom will inevitably be watching too. 

• Babylon

This may seem like the ideal plane movie at face value — 3.5 hours of pure 1920s Hollywood chaos starring Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie, certain to keep you entertained for a large portion of your flight. However, the decadence, enthralling acting performances, and riveting Gatsby-esque party scenes do not outweigh the negatives of sharing this screen with an unsuspecting airplane crowd. “Babylon” is not for the faint of heart, and its strong sexual content and graphic nudity may be a reason to shy away from in-flight viewing. 

• Cast Away

You could probably guess why this one made the no-fly list. Typically, any movie featuring a plane crash, airplane hijacking, or flight-related disasters is best avoided. Flying should be a time for rest and empty-minded relaxation, and this category of panic-inducing films will only keep you and your neighbors on the edge of your seats.

So the next time you board a flight, refer to this list when you get tired of listening in on your seat neighbor’s gossip or rediscovering Subway Surfers in your app archives. Watching a great movie provided by your airline could be the highlight of your trip.