The Single Most Important Piece of Travel Gear for Frequent Flyers

Experienced Travelers Know the Importance of Noise Cancelling Headphones

When we’re not actually flying we can forget just how noisy it can be inside an airplane cabin. But once you’re on a flight, you’re quickly reminded of just how noisy air travel can be. That is why my most important piece of travel gear is a pair of noise cancelling headphones by BOSE.

According to nature.com, the average noise level inside a commercial aircraft cabin is 83.5 decibels (dB) with peak noise levels at takeoff and landing reaching up to 110 dB.  According to the FAA, exposure to noises above 90 dB for eight or more hours in a day can lead to permanent hearing loss. At lower dB levels cabin noise still causes fatigue.

This is exactly why noise cancelling headphones were invented.

The First Noise Cancelling Headphones

In the late 1970s, Dr. Bose, the founder of BOSE Corporation, was on a transatlantic flight and had difficulty hearing music on the headphones offered him by the flight attendant. The headphones were just unable to compete with the loud engine noise in the cabin. This was the beginning of his pursuit of a solution.

That solution cam several years later in prototype form and was first tested by the pilots of the first non-stop flight around the world. The aircraft was the Rutan Voyager, the year was 1986, and the headphones the pilots were wearing were the first noise cancelling headphones, created by BOSE.

For years noise cancelling headphones were used by professional pilots to protect them from the constant engine drone they endure when flying. The fist consumer version would not be far behind.

The Earbuds or Headphones You Have Are Probably Contributing to the Problem

The ear buds airlines pass out in the economy cabin are the worst. But most of us have our own headphones or earbuds, even if we’re just using the ones that came with our smartphones.

Unfortunately, that is not an ideal solution to airplane cabin noise. Because of the loud ambient noise in the cabin, we’re often forced to turn the volume up on our headphones and earbuds to a level that is loud enough to compensate for the engine noise. Unfortunately, that could just exacerbate the situation.

The beauty of noise cancelling headphones is that they not only deaden the noise of the aircraft, or that seat companion that will not stop talking, but they allow you to listen to your music or programming at a much lower volume because your programming is not competing with the aircraft noise.

It’s uncanny how much of a difference this can make during a flight. Perhaps that is why many airlines provide complementary noise cancelling headphones in First and Business class. Even if you’re not listening to music or a show, I’d recommend wearing the headphones for the noise cancelling function alone. You’ll be amazed at how much more relaxing your flight is.

They Don’t Have to be Expensive

Traditionally quality noise cancelling headphones have been fairly expensive, usually costing over $300. But as more and more offerings hit the marketplace, you can acquire a pair for less than $100. Granted they will not be as effective as the premium ones, but will definitely be better than nothing.

They’re Also Getting Smaller

Another challenge with noise cancelling headphones was their size. For the most part,they are over-the-ear headphones. This could be a problem for side sleepers on airplanes, or just anyone who does not want to carry around a set of headphones. For these people there are noise cancelling earbuds. There are even ones integrated into a headband so that they are virtually flat, perfect for sleeping.

There are many ways to make a long flight more pleasant. For me, nothing is more important in that goal than my pair of noise cancelling headphones.