these headphone be decent , but do not expect miraculous noise reduction or amazing sound quality . I own these as well as Sony MDR-V6 , Koss KTXPros , and previously own bose tri-port . as for noise , the bose phone with they sealed design ear cups\/pads actually cancel more airplane noise passively than these do with active cancellation electronics . the ear pad on these be not supple enough to provide a really good seal against the side of the head and that may be the source of the problem . the seal should be suction-cup like to really make the active noise reduction effective . even though they cost a small mint and you be of course pay for the prestige of the brand , I would prefer the bose for air travel have they not break . sound quality be lack as well . from some of the review on this site , you would think these sound incredible . after own they for a year and compare to other headphone I own -lrb- Koss KTXPros for 15 year , Sony MDR-V6 , the standard for studio mastering , for 3 year -rrb- these be dull and lifeless . the high be roll off , the low be muddy . while maybe better than stock headphone , they be only slightly better in this department . amplification with a headphone amp do not make thing any better . comfort be pretty good . once again , ear pad could stand to be a little softer to give a better seal , but the wire headband can be bent to provide more or less pressure on the head . the ear cup surround my medium-large ear and the inside of the cup barely touch they . they can not compete at all with the bose tri-port or the Sonys in this department . they be just ok . I be hope these would live up to the review , but I can not say they do . they be decent for the money , but not great .