Based on a recommendation in this forum (the exact message I can no longer find), I bought the Radio Shack noise cancelling headphones (http://www.radioshack.com/product.as...t%5Fid=33-1218), supposedly a re-branded Sony set (MDR-NC5).

I fly a lot, and get tired of sticking ear plugs into my ears, and I don't like the ear-bud types. I used the RS phones this week LAX-DEN and return, and they worked just fine. Reviews aren't the greatest, but that seems to be mainly from folks who bought these as regular stereo headphones.

These phones provide some passive noise cancelling ability, but switched on, there is a significant reduction. Are they worth the cost? Absolutely. Aircraft audio is greatly improved, noise cancelling is very good, and they were all of 50 bucks. Thanks to this forum for the pointer.

Downside: RS sales people are beyond obnoxious...