[hear_the_sound]

For use on an airplane I think an IEM or a closed headphone is the only way to go. I'd prefer an IEM just because there's so little space around your seat...well, at least in economy class.

Turning up the volume high enough on open headphones to drown out the airplane engine sound will really damage your hearing!!!

 

[alpha80]

Lemme pile on and say no to open cans on flights, based on every aspect of this scenario being worse than closed/iem.

 

[CapQ]

I always bring my AD700 for long trip like 16 hours plane trip.....
you really need a pair of comfortable hps.

 

[Pneumaniatic]

I agree with no opens'... you'd have to crank the volume to hear anything and that'll annoy anyone sitting around you

 

[Happy Camper]

I'd use IEMs for in flight, closed for terminals. In flight has strong low freq. energy both sonically and mechanically. I would think even closed cans would need more volume to get noticeable bass details.

Terminal listening will impact others unless you can isolate yourself to use your open cans or keep them to low volumes. If you don't mind having your IEMs in for all that time, just use them and save on closed cans. It's costly but you get those damn IEMs out of your ears.

(In Happy Camper's imaginary world)