Picture this: you’re on a cramped, noisy airplane, sitting in the middle seat of a row between two strangers. You’re feeling tense, anxious, and a little claustrophobic. All you want to do is put on your favorite tunes and tune out the world. But when you pull out your earbuds and hit play, you realize that you can barely hear the music over the roar of the engines and the chatty passengers around you. What can you do?
Well, fear not, dear reader, because in this article, we’re going to share with you our top tips and tricks for listening to music on a plane. We understand the frustration of wanting to escape into your favorite songs, only to be thwarted by the harsh realities of air travel. But by the end of this piece, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools you need to create your own personal listening oasis, even in the most chaotic of travel environments.
These tips aren’t just theoretical – we’ve tried and tested them ourselves, and we can guarantee that they work. You’ll learn about everything from noise-cancelling headphones to clever ways to store your music offline, ensuring that your listening experience is smooth, enjoyable, and uninterrupted. So sit back, buckle up, and prepare to take your music to new heights (literally) with our guide to listening to music on a plane.
Best Headphones for Air Travel to Enjoy In-Flight Entertainment
Air travel can be both tiring and exhausting, but the beauty of it is that it gives you ample time to listen to music and complete your movie or TV series. While taking long-haul flights, it’s best to carry your headphones or earphones, so you don’t have to use the airline’s ones that may not be up to par. In this article, we will take you through the best headphones for air travel to enjoy in-flight entertainment.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Headphones for Air Travel
While choosing the right headphones, there are a few elements to consider. Not every headphone is made for travel-related use, and as such, there are features to keep in mind to ensure that you pick the correct one. When it comes to using headphones while flying, the following factors are essential to consider:
- Noise Cancelling Features
- Comfort
- Battery Life
- Portability
- Value for Money
| Features | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Cancelling | Reduces ambient noise, making music clearer and cleaner | Can be a bit expensive |
| Comfort | Ensures a comfortable and relaxed listening experience | May be bulky and heavy |
| Battery Life | Allows you to use the headphones for a more extended period without charging | May have smaller batteries compared to other headphones |
| Portability | Allows you to pack away easily due to size and weight | May lack valuable features such as noise-canceling |
| Value for Money | Offers the best quality at an affordable price | May not have some features equating to other alternative headphones |
Top Headphones for Air Travel
When considering headphones for air travel, you need to choose those that have active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a comfortable fit. Here are the top headphones to consider when travelling:
- Sony WH-1000XM4
- Bose QuietComfort 35 II
- Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700
- Sennheiser Momentum 2 Bluetooth Wireless Headphone
The Sony WH-1000XM4 is the best noise-canceling headphone on the market, offering exceptional noise-canceling capabilities and a long battery life. This headphone is perfect for long-haul flights, with 30 hours of playback. It has a long battery life and charges easily, allowing you to stay entertained throughout your flight.
Bose QuietComfort 35 II is an excellent noise-canceling headphone that is perfect for flying. It offers a comfortable experience and has an all-plastic design that works great at reducing ambient noise. With a 10-hour battery life, you can stay entertained on a shorter trip without worrying about charging.
The Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones 700 has noise-canceling properties, ensuring all noise is filtered out. It has great sound quality, allowing you to enjoy music or movies while flying. With a 20-hour battery life, these headphones will last you for your long-haul flights, and it’s one of the most comfortable headphones you can find.
Sennheiser Momentum 2 Bluetooth Wireless Headphone is a noise-canceling headphone designed for air travel. It offers a great fit and excellent noise-canceling features that reduce ambient noise, allowing you to enjoy your music without any distractions. It has a 22-hour battery life, making it an excellent choice for long flights.
In Conclusion
Choosing the appropriate headphones for air travel will make your flight experience much more enjoyable by providing an immersive entertainment experience. When considering the most suitable headphones for air travel, ensure you keep in mind the essential elements. The four headphones, as mentioned earlier, are the best for air travel due to their noise-canceling features, comfortable fit, and long battery life. Choose one or more of them, and enjoy a peaceful and entertaining flight.
Noise-Cancellation Headphones for an Uninterrupted Music Experience on a Plane
Traveling by plane involves dealing with various types of noise including incessant chatter, crying babies, engine rumblings, and turbulence shakes. For music lovers, this may reduce the audio qualities of their music and limit their listening experience. Luckily, noise-cancellation headphones offer a solution to these problems. As their name suggests, noise-cancellation headphones help block out external noise and allow the listener to enjoy their music as if they were in a soundproof room. Below are some insightful tips for selecting and using noise-cancellation headphones on a plane.
Types of Noise-Cancelling Headphones
There are generally two types of noise-cancelling headphones: over-ear and in-ear.
- Over-ear headphones: These are larger and have padded cups that sit over the user’s ears. They offer better sound quality and a more comprehensive noise-cancelling effect than in-ear headphones. They are bulkier but sturdier and more comfortable when worn for long periods of time.
- In-ear headphones: These are smaller in size and sit inside the user’s ear canal. They are more portable and less cumbersome than over-ear headphones, making them ideal for travelers that are tight on space. However, their noise-cancelling effect is limited by the size of the earbud and they can be uncomfortable if worn for a long duration.
Noise-Cancellation vs. Noise-Isolation
Noise-cancellation and noise-isolation are two concepts that are often confused by headphone users.
- Noise-cancelling: This technology uses a microphone that picks up external sound waves followed by a circuitry that produces sound waves of the same magnitude, but opposite polarity, cancelling out the external noise. This allows one to listen to their music without being disturbed by external noise.
- Noise-isolation: This relies on creating a physical barrier between the ear and external environment by using ear padding, cups, or earplugs. The physical barrier blocks high-intensity noise from entering the ear canal. However, low-frequency noise waves may still penetrate the ear, thus noise-isolating headphones are less effective than noise-cancelling headphones.
Price and Quality Considerations
When selecting noise-cancellation headphones for plane travel, various factors should be considered.
- Budget: Generally, over-ear headphones are more expensive than in-ear headphones. The price ranges from about $50 for in-ear headphones to over $400 for high-end over-ear headphones. While expensive headphones tend to offer better noise-cancelling quality, in some cases, moderately-priced headphones can provide equivalent performance.
- Size and Weight: Over-ear headphones can be bulky and heavy, while in-ear headphones are compact and lightweight. Travelers should select headphones that are comfortable, portable, and easy to pack.
- Brand: Several reputable headphone brands create excellent noise-cancellation headphones. The most common brands include Bose, Sony, and Sennheiser, among others. Research on specific brands and models is recommended to obtain the best performance for your travel needs.
Benefits of Noise-Cancellation Headphones
Investing in noise-cancellation headphones for plane travel has several benefits:
- Undisturbed music experience: Noise-cancellation headphones reduce external noise and allow one to enjoy their music as if they were in a soundproof room.
- Reduced travel stress: By blocking out external noise, noise-cancellation headphones can help in reducing the impact of background noises like engine and movement noises that may cause nervousness, anxiety or irritability.
- Better conversation clarity: During in-fight conversations, noise-cancellation headphones can enhance clarity and reduce the need to raise your voice.
- Protection against hearing loss: The ability of the headphones to block out background noise allows one to keep the music volume low, reducing the risk of hearing damage while still enjoying high-quality musical experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, noise-cancellation headphones allow for uninterrupted musical and in-flight experience. Travelers who want to enjoy a peaceful trip or work uninterrupted can benefit from using noise-cancellation headphones. Considerations should be made when selecting the type of headphone, brand, quality, and price. While there are several options to choose from, investing in a quality noise-cancellation headphone is worth it in the long run.
Offline Music Apps: Perfectly Fine-Tuning In-Flight Music Listening
Taking a long flight may be one of the most boring and exhausting things one can ever take. But a smooth journey with a warm blanket, a comfortable seat, and headphones playing awesome music is an experience worth having. While streaming music apps remain popular, they require an internet connection to function correctly. This is where offline music apps come in. These apps provide an excellent solution for music lovers to enjoy their favorite tunes regardless of internet connectivity. In this section, we will explain how offline music apps work, their benefits, and the various options available in the market today.
How Offline Music Apps Work
Offline music apps enable you to download music onto your device, which you can play back without an internet connection. To use an offline music app, you first need to download it from the app store, install it on your device, and create an account. After that, you can search for music, podcasts, or audiobooks, and with a few taps, download them to your device. Once the files are downloaded, you can play them back whenever you want, even when your device is offline.
Benefits of Offline Music Apps
Using offline music apps offers several benefits over streaming music apps, some of which include:
- Uninterrupted Listening: One of the significant benefits of offline music apps is that you can listen to music without experiencing any buffering or adverts. This is because the music files are downloaded onto your device and stored locally, meaning you don’t need an internet connection to play them back.
- Reduced Data Usage: Streaming music apps require an internet connection to function, which means they can consume a significant amount of data. With offline music apps, you don’t need an internet connection, which means you don’t have to worry about data usage.
- Compatibility with Airplane Mode: Most airlines require passengers to switch their mobile devices to airplane mode during flights. With offline music apps, you can listen to music even when your device is in airplane mode.
- Storage Capacity: Offline music apps allow you to store music locally on your device, giving you the flexibility to download as much music as you want without worrying about storage limitations on your device.
Options Available in the Market Today
Nowadays, offline music apps are becoming popular, and there are various options available in the market today. Below are some of the best offline music apps that you should consider:
- Spotify: Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming apps that offer offline listening. With Spotify Premium, you can download music and listen to it offline without any ads or interruptions. However, to access offline listening, you have to pay for the premium subscription.
- Apple Music: Apple Music is an excellent choice for iOS device owners who want to listen to music offline. With Apple Music, subscribers can listen to tracks, albums, and playlists without an internet connection. However, to access this feature, you have to subscribe to the service.
- Google Play Music: Google Play Music is an excellent choice for Android device owners who want to listen to music offline. With this app, you can download your favorite tracks and playlists for offline playback. However, this app is being replaced by YouTube Music.
- Deezer: Deezer is a lesser-known music streaming service that offers offline music playback for its subscribers. With Deezer, you can download music and listen to it offline without any interruptions or ads. However, this app lacks some of the features available in other high-end music streaming apps like Spotify.
| App Name | Offline Listening Availability | Premium Subscription Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Spotify | Yes | Yes |
| Apple Music | Yes | Yes |
| Google Play Music | Yes | No |
| Deezer | Yes | Yes |
In conclusion, offline music apps are an excellent solution for in-flight music listening. They offer various benefits over streaming music apps, including uninterrupted listening, reduced data usage, compatibility with airplane mode, and more storage capacity. Some of the best offline music apps available in the market today include Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play Music, and Deezer. Choose the app that best suits your needs and enjoy your favorite music even when you’re offline.
Choosing the Ideal Portable Music Player for Your Next Flight
Air travel can be quite enjoyable, but it can also become tedious and monotonous. Hours of sitting in cramped seats and soaring through the clouds can be mentally exhausting. But with a good playlist and the right portable music player, you can easily pass the time and enjoy your flight. In this section, we’ll guide you through the process of choosing the ideal portable music player for your next flight.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Portable Music Player
There are several factors you need to bear in mind when choosing a portable music player. Some of these factors include:
- The device’s storage capacity
- The device’s battery life
- The device’s weight and size
- The audio quality of the device
- The device’s ease of use
1. Storage Capacity
When choosing a portable music player for your next flight, one of the most important factors you need to consider is the device’s storage capacity. The storage capacity will determine the number of songs you can store on the device. If you have a large collection of songs, you need a device with a large storage capacity.
2. Battery Life
Another important factor to consider is the device’s battery life. You don’t want to be stuck without music mid-flight because your device’s battery ran out. Therefore, you need a device with long battery life. A good portable music player should have a battery that can last several hours on a single charge.
3. Weight and Size
Weight and size are also important factors to consider when choosing a portable music player. You want a device that is small and lightweight enough to fit easily in your pocket or bag while also being comfortable to handle.
4. Audio Quality
The audio quality of the device is also an important factor to consider. You want a device with excellent audio quality that can provide you with the best listening experience.
5. Ease of Use
Lastly, the device’s ease of use is another crucial factor to consider. You don’t want a portable music player that is complicated to operate. Therefore, you need a device with a clear and simple interface that is easy to navigate.
Comparison of Popular Portable Music Players
To make it easy for you to choose the ideal portable music player for your next flight, we’ve compared some of the most popular devices in the market.
| Device | Storage Capacity | Battery Life | Weight | Audio Quality | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iPod Touch (7th Gen) | 32GB-256GB | Up to 40 Hours | 3.10 oz | Excellent | Easy |
| Sony NW-A105 | 16GB-128GB | Up to 26 Hours | 3.39 oz | Excellent | Easy |
| SanDisk Clip Sport Plus | 8GB-16GB | Up to 20 Hours | 0.9 oz | Good | Easy |
| Apple Watch Series 5 | 32GB-64GB | Up to 18 Hours | 1.1 oz | Good | Easy |
- iPod Touch (7th Gen) – The iPod Touch has a storage capacity of 32GB-256GB, which makes it possible to store a large collection of songs. It also boasts an impressive battery life of up to 40 hours, making it one of the best portable music players for long flights. The device’s audio quality is excellent, and its interface is easy to use.
- Sony NW-A105 – With a storage capacity of 16GB-128GB, the Sony NW-A105 can store plenty of songs. It has a battery life of up to 26 hours, which is more than enough for most flights. The device’s audio quality is excellent, and it is easy to use.
- SanDisk Clip Sport Plus – If you’re looking for a more affordable option, then the SanDisk Clip Sport Plus is an excellent choice. With a storage capacity of 8GB-16GB, it can store a decent amount of songs. It has a battery life of up to 20 hours, which is impressive considering its size. Its audio quality is good, and it is incredibly lightweight and easy to use.
- Apple Watch Series 5 – While the Apple Watch Series 5 is not specifically a portable music player, it can serve as one. With a storage capacity of 32GB-64GB, it can store plenty of songs. It has a battery life of up to 18 hours, which isn’t the best, but it still gets the job done. It has good audio quality, and it is incredibly lightweight and easy to use.
In conclusion, when choosing a portable music player for your next flight, you need to consider several factors such as storage capacity, battery life, weight and size, audio quality, and ease of use. By choosing the right device, you can make your air travel more enjoyable and pass the time easily.
Preparing for a Flight: How to Load Your Music Collection on Your Mobile Device for a Seamless Experience in the Air
Heading on a long haul flight and want to enjoy some good music while you’re cruising above the clouds? Having your personal choice of music can make even the longest of flights a breeze! But as airlines move away from providing in-flight entertainment, you’ll have to bring your personal entertainment with you. Luckily, music streaming services and mobile devices mean your entire music library can be at your fingertips, all in one place. Here are some tips on how to prepare your music collection on your mobile device for a seamless experience in the air.
1. Choose the Right Device
When preparing for a flight, the first thing to consider is the type of mobile device you want to use. In general, any mobile device with a music app will do the job, but certain devices are better suited than others. For instance, an iPhone or iPad might be a better choice because of Apple’s extensive and easy-to-use music library.
If you do not have an Apple device or do not want to subscribe to Apple Music, there are various options such as Android-based devices or using music apps that work across all mobile devices.
2. Sort Your Music
Pick out the songs or playlists you want to listen to before you get to the airport to avoid data charges if you have to rip through your library online.
To sort your music, you can use any music management software like iTunes or Google Music, and create playlists for the trip by choosing specific artists, genres, or albums. This also makes it easy to access your music collection without having to swipe through your entire music library.
If you want to avoid the hassle of creating a playlist altogether, you can always take advantage of the pre-made playlists available on popular music apps like Spotify or Apple Music.
3. Test Your Music Before You Fly
Before you head off on your adventure, experiment with your music audio quality to make sure that the airplane seats do not sabotage your music quality standards.
To test your music, try using high-quality audio files or streaming audio with high-bitrate versions to make sure your music sounds the way you want it to in flight.
You can also prepare for airplane audio limitations by downloading music that has a good mix of highs and lows, since airplane audio systems often cut out low-range sounds.
4. Ensure Adequate Storage Space
The last thing you want to happen while in the air is to run out of storage space on your device. There is no worse travel feeling than having your device cut off mid-flight as you are engrossed in your favorite tunes. Therefore, ensure that you have ample storage space for all the music you require.
Use this simple formula to know how much storage space you might need: average song length (about 4 minutes) x number of songs you want x file size per song. You then have to multiply this by shadow overhead for the OS and the music app you’re using.
5. Get Creative with How You Store Your Music
As you prepare your music collection, getting creative with how you store it can make it a lot easier to access your music in-flight.
Here are a few options to consider:
- Local storage: Store your music directly on your device.
- Cloud storage: Upload your music to a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive and stream from there.
- Shared folder: Create a folder that’s easily shared across your devices or with family and friends, where you can add new music and playlists to no matter where you are.
It’s worth noting that each option has its own set of pros and cons. For example, local storage is the most convenient option, as you don’t need an internet connection to access your music, but the downside is that it can eat up a lot of storage space on your device. Similarly, cloud-based storage is more flexible, but it requires an internet connection to stream your music, and if you don’t have unlimited data, you’ll burn through it like wildfire if you’re not careful.
A Happy Soundtrack for a Happy Flight
The bottom line is getting creative before your flight and preparing your music collection in advance will help make your flying experience more enjoyable. From choosing the right device to getting creative with music storage, there are various ways to create a seamless in-flight experience that will keep you entertained for hours – all while listening to the perfect soundtrack of your choice.
FAQs: How to Listen to Music on a Plane
1. Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
Yes, you can use Bluetooth headphones on a plane. Make sure to fully charge them before the flight and check if they are compatible with the in-flight entertainment system (if available) or your device.
2. Do I need to put my phone on airplane mode to listen to music?
No, you don’t need to put your phone on airplane mode to listen to music. But it’s recommended to do so to avoid signal interference with the aircraft communications and navigation system.
3. Can I bring my own music device on a plane?
Yes, you can bring your own music device on a plane. Just make sure to store it in your carry-on luggage and remove it from the bag during the security check.
4. How do I connect my headphones to the in-flight entertainment system?
Refer to the instructions provided by the airline or the cabin crew for connecting your headphones to the in-flight entertainment system. Generally, you need to plug the headphones into the audio jack or pair them via Bluetooth (if supported).
5. What if the in-flight entertainment system doesn’t have my favorite songs?
You can bring your own music library pre-downloaded on your phone or music player. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a music streaming service that allows offline listening and download your favorite songs before the flight.
6. Can I listen to music during takeoff and landing?
No, you are not allowed to use electronic devices including headphones during takeoff and landing. You can use them at cruising altitude after the flight attendant announces that it’s safe to do so.
7. How do I adjust the volume on the in-flight entertainment system?
Look for the volume controls on the screen or the remote. You can usually increase or decrease the volume by pressing the up and down arrows or sliding the bar.
8. What if my headphones have a different plug than the ones provided by the airplane?
You can use an adapter or converter to fit your headphones into the plane’s audio jack. Some airlines may provide adapters upon request or have them available for purchase onboard.
9. Can I use noise-canceling headphones on a plane?
Yes, you can use noise-canceling headphones on a plane. They can help reduce the ambient noise and make your music listening experience more enjoyable. However, be aware of your surroundings and remove them during safety announcements or when the flight attendant needs your attention.
10. What if I forget to bring my headphones?
Some airlines provide complimentary headphones to passengers for in-flight entertainment. Alternatively, you can purchase basic earbuds from the inflight store or use the ones provided by the airline for the safety demonstration.
Conclusion
In conclusion, listening to music on a plane can be a great way to pass the time and make your journey more enjoyable. Remember to charge your headphones, bring your own music library, or subscribe to a music streaming service that supports offline listening. Follow the instructions provided by the airline for connecting your headphones to the in-flight entertainment system and adjust the volume to your liking. Always be mindful of safety instructions and remove your headphones when necessary. Have a safe and pleasant flight!
After reading this article, you may want to check out our other interesting articles on travel tips and entertainment. Safe travels and happy listening!