before I look a long airplane trip to Asia , my husband recommend that I purchase these Sennheiser headphone . I insist that I do not need they , and he argue right back that I would not be regret buy they . Ahem . yes , sometimes husband can be right . the over-the-ear design ensure that most sound -- even the annoying whine of jet engine -- be minimize . I have no idea how loud airplane be until I put these on instead of the airline supply ear bud and my better , but still inadequate , ipod bud . I listen to my ipod and the in-flight movie for hour before my ear tire . the sound quality be much better in a quiet environment than in a noisy one since , yes , some noise get through . for those who listen to music in a office or in a college dorm , the fact that they do not leak much sound be a huge plus . my only complaint be that they do not fold or collapse to take up less space in my briefcase . these make a great gift for the traveler or just for someone who want lightweight , comfortable headphone .