[Coldsnap]

I hate flying and I realized how good noise canceling earphones have gotten. Help me decide between these models, noise cancelation is the most important feature and sound quality is second. I've tried the bose but they don't give me enough discount at my job. I really like the bose, but I can get other ones for around 50% off. Here's what I've eliminated it down to -
 
AKG - $126.14
http://www.amazon.com/AKG-K490NC-High-Performance-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B006S8DS4I/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1412959591&sr=8-2&keywords=akg+headphones+noise+cancellation
 
$152.25
http://www.amazon.com/Technica-ATH-ANC9-QuietPoint-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones/dp/B007KWLF5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412959628&sr=8-1&keywords=ATH-ANC9
 
$108.53
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-MDR10RDC-Premium-Canceling-Headphones/dp/B00H0PWF06/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412959655&sr=8-1&keywords=Sony+noise+canceling
 
$157.44
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_2?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Senheiser%20PXC%20450

 

[Canaudio]

Like you, I discovered that noise cancelling works.  I ruled out Bose because of build quality issues and because I loathe their marketing tactics.  I chose the Audio Technica ANC-9. Excellent noise cancelling (with 3 settings) perhaps slightly less effective than Bose, but with better sound quality.  I looked at some of the others you listed, but don't have enough info to make a proper comparison
 
Comparing the ANC-9 to Bose:
 
 On the plus: better build quality, better sound quality.  can still listen when the battery is dead
 
On the minus:  slightly less NC, (still very good). They're big and so is the case.  I would have preferred a smaller package.
 
I've used the ANC-9 on several 5 hour flights and felt better and less tired on arrival.