Skip to main content Skip to footer content

GAME DAY SALE: Save up to 30% on home theater speakers. Shop

VALENTINE’S DAY GIFT GUIDE: Discover thoughtful gifts for every music lover. Shop

SALE: Save $30 on all colors of QuietComfort Earbuds. Buy now

Best Noise Cancelling Headphones for Air Travel and Long Flights

Air travel can be exhausting — especially when noise never stops. From the roar of engines to cabin announcements and crying babies, it’s hard to enjoy your music, focus on a podcast, or get meaningful rest. That’s why millions of travelers turn to Bose, the pioneer of noise cancelling technology. From the very first headset designed by Dr. Amar Bose in 1978 to today’s QuietComfort Ultra series, Bose continues to set the standard for immersive sound and peaceful travel.

One woman wearing Bose QuietComfort Headphones in Petal Pink and another woman wearing QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (1st Gen) in Deep Plum with flowers in the foreground.

Sound solutions for air travel

Today, there’s a collection of Bose headphones and earbuds designed for travel, from over ear to in ear, each built to handle the unique challenges of flying. They won’t stop the seat kicker behind you or the smell of a fish burrito in row 34, but they will take on the four biggest sound challenges of air travel with ease.

Block engine and cabin noise with world-class ANC

Long flights come with a constant background hum. The mix of engines, airflow, and vibration creates a wall of sound that makes it tough to enjoy a movie, focus on a podcast, or get some rest.

QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and QuietComfort Headphones counter that challenge with world-class noise cancellation, turning the roar into a soft backdrop. In its place, you hear high-fidelity sound: dialogue that stays clear, playlists that keep their detail, and podcasts that remain sharp hour after hour. With plush cushions, a lightweight frame, and up to 24 hours of battery life, they are designed to stay comfortable through long-haul travel.

For those who prefer in-ear listening, the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) deliver the same renowned cancellation and lifelike audio in a smaller form. They offer up to 6 hours of playtime, with a charging case that holds three additional charges to cover multiple flights. A choice of eartips and stability bands keeps them secure and comfortable even as you shift in your seat.

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen)

Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) in their charging case with the cover open.

Tune out cabin chatter, stay aware when you need to

Talkative seatmates top the list of travel frustrations worldwide. And while you can’t choose who sits beside you, you can choose how much of their chatter you hear.

That’s why seasoned travelers pack noise cancelling headphones. Slip on Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen), QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen), or QuietComfort Headphones, and conversation fades into the background. Noise cancelling still works without music, silencing cabin chatter to give you privacy in a crowded cabin.

At the same time, there are voices worth hearing. With a single touch, Aware Mode lets crew announcements or service cues through, so you catch the important details without opening the door to endless small talk. It’s control at your fingertips: block what you don’t want, keep what you do.

Ease flight anxiety with immersive sound and CustomTune

Flight anxiety is more common than many realize. Studies suggest nearly one in five Americans avoid air travel altogether because of it, and many more feel uneasy once the door closes. Sound can play a surprising role in easing that tension. Research has shown that certain types of music can lower your heart rate, steady breathing, and reduce emotional distress.

Headphones create calm in the middle of the noise. The QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) adapt sound and noise cancellation to your ears using CustomTune technology, so calming playlists, guided meditation apps, or even nature recordings feel more natural and immersive. This creates a personal space that shifts focus from stress to calm. For anxious travelers, this sense of control can make the journey less stressful and more manageable.

Woman removing a Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbud (2nd Gen) from the charging case.

Relax in the sky with spatial audio and all-day comfort

Airplane cabins are rarely quiet. Between announcements, snack wrappers, and the movement of passengers, the atmosphere is anything but restful. Bose spatialized audio changes that. The Bose QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) and QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) include Immersive Audio, which uses Bose spatialized audio to make seatback movies or playlists sound larger and more spacious. Instead of audio trapped inside your head, the sound feels anchored in front of you, like a private performance in the middle of the sky.

Comfort helps too. QC Ultra Headphones (2nd Gen) stay light for long sessions, while QC Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen) include multiple fit options designed for long-wear comfort, staying steady no matter how often you move around. And when you want a little control over your surroundings, the Bose app lets you customize listening modes and adjust EQ settings, or your own blend of the two. However you choose to spend your time in the air, headphones and earbuds help you make the cabin your own.

Woman wearing Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds (2nd Gen).

Travel made better with Bose

Air travel hasn’t changed much in decades, but the way you experience it has. Bose noise cancelling headphones give you the quiet, clarity, and comfort that turn flights into time well spent. That’s why they’ve become trusted companions for travelers everywhere.

Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the right pair of headphones can change the way you experience air travel. With Bose, you get proven noise cancellation, immersive sound, and lasting comfort that makes every journey feel easier.

Explore Bose travel-ready headphones and earbuds and find your perfect travel companion.

FAQs: Travel headphones

Can I use wireless headphones with in-flight entertainment systems?

Airplanes often use wired jacks, but accessories like the AirFly Pro let you stream wirelessly to your Bose headphones or earbuds. Just plug it into the seatback jack and pair your headphones to enjoy movies and shows without cords.

Are earbuds or over-ear headphones better for travel?

It depends on your preference. Over-ear models like the Bose QuietComfort Ultra Headphones provide maximum noise cancellation and long-wear comfort, making them ideal for long flights. In-ear options like the QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds deliver the same quiet in a smaller design that’s easy to pack and wear discreetly.

Can noise cancelling headphones help with flight anxiety?

Yes. By reducing the overwhelming hum of the cabin and making calming audio more effective, Bose headphones can support relaxation. Many travelers use them with meditation apps, nature tracks, or music to steady breathing and reduce stress during flights.

Are Bose headphones comfortable enough for long-haul flights?

Yes. The QuietComfort series was designed with travel in mind. Over-ear models feature plush ear cushions and a lightweight frame that stays comfortable even after hours of wear, while the earbuds come with multiple eartip and stability band options to ensure a snug, secure fit throughout your flight.