Headset for long haul flights

[Doc Alan]

I have a "Logitech" headset with USB for my laptop, which can be useful for Skype video calls or Youtube.
On my last flight with KLM to Manila I found the supplied headset was inadequate. I've searched in vain for a suitable adapter for my headset.
If my headset can't be adapted, what headset would members recommend for long haul flights ?

[Englishman2010]

Most of the airlines use double or treble mini-jackplug adapters which is really annoying as you can't use your own. I've never seen an adapter that you can plug your own into, but I'm sure there must be something on the market. However, you won't know if the aircraft is fitted with a double or treble socket until you get on it.

[Dedworth]

Doc

I've got one like this

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/211S6bhjJdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0012IKBI0/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000XRX7G4&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=04DN6QZXTC58QHQX6A50

but you are going to need another adaptor something like female usb to male 3.5mm audio

[RickyR]

Most airlines use a 'Twin 3.5mm Mono Socket', which you can get adapters for. I have a set of Sony Noise Cancelling earphones with an adapter for this, and the noise cancelling removes the sounds of the aircraft drone and air con. Well worth it, and I think they cost me about 25 pounds.

Aircraft with the three pins, tends to be for noise cancelling headsets, which airlines such as Etihad provide in economy (very good headets), wheras most airlines only offer these in business.

[Doc Alan]

Doc

I've got one like this

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/211S6bhjJdL._SL500_AA300_.jpg ...
but you are going to need another adaptor something like female usb to male 3.5mm audio
I saw that Ded, thanks, but it gets complicated :- http://www.amazon.co.uk/Quality-3-5mm-Charge-Power-Shuffle/dp/B005EYOV7K
The problem is knowing what sockets there are on my KLM flight next month ( as Englishman says ), and whether to just buy another headset with adapter as suggested by Ricky !

[Dedworth]

Would this be any good Doc ? My brains getting a bit fuddled trying to picture what's what

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/USB-F-Female-Gender-Changer-Adaptor-Coupler-AF-/270624944331?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item3f0280f0cb

[steve monty]

I have got one of those adaptors that Dedworth has shown. It works on both double and triple sockets. If it has a triple socket, just put into the top two holes. The quality is alright to be fair, I think i bought mine for about £2 and use my Sennheiser headphones that i use for my ipod.

[Doc Alan]

Would this be any good Doc ? My brains getting a bit fuddled trying to picture what's what ...

Agreed Ded, thanks again, but a search using this sort of description ( USB A F to A Female Gender Changer Adaptor Coupler AF ) could lead to websites for dodgy surgical procedures :yikes:

[RickyR]

KLM is the standard Twin Mono 3.5mm Stereo Jack, so that adapter will work perfectly fine.

[Doc Alan]

I have got one of those adaptors that Dedworth has shown. It works on both double and triple sockets.
Thanks Steve and Ricky, the adaptors are cheap as you say, and it seems that headsets with USBs are not easily adapted for use on flights.

[Englishman2010]

If all else fails, take a pair of wire cutters and some tape so you can make a few alterations en-route:D

[Dedworth]

Agreed Ded, thanks again, but a search using this sort of description ( USB A F to A Female Gender Changer Adaptor Coupler AF ) could lead to websites for dodgy surgical procedures :yikes:

:laugher:If the crazed LibDems get their way they could include the adaptor with the transgender passport http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8772963/Sex-free-passports-for-transgenders.html

[steve monty]

Agreed Ded, thanks again, but a search using this sort of description ( USB A F to A Female Gender Changer Adaptor Coupler AF ) could lead to websites for dodgy surgical procedures :yikes:

:icon_lol: :icon_lol: :icon_lol:

No surgical procedure needed for an adaptor. It makes your headphones swing both ways. :laugher:

[Doc Alan]

If all else fails, take a pair of wire cutters and some tape so you can make a few alterations en-route:D
Vandalism and gender change ... all in one thread :icon_lol::icon_lol::icon_lol:

[raynaputi]

wait, how bout in Emirates planes (a 777 and A380) what kind of adaptors can you buy for that? everytime i travel, i don't like using the headsets in the planes but i got no choice..it usually doesn't fit me (it falls off even if i keep on adjusting) or the sound isn't good! :doh

[Doc Alan]

... how bout in Emirates planes (a 777 and A380) what kind of adaptors can you buy for that? everytime i travel, i don't like using the headsets in the planes but I got no choice...
Ricky may have given the answer already ( # 4 ) - if not, I'm sure he will !
But you're absolutely right Rayna, no matter how comfortable ( or more likely, uncomfortable ) the flight is, it would ease the boredom to be able to use good headsets :doh. Not a trivial matter on long haul flights, and worth a relatively small amount of money. It seems noise - cancelling earphones ( non - USB ) with ONE adapter, are the answer :xxgrinning--00xx3:.

[andy222]

Agreed Ded, thanks again, but a search using this sort of description ( USB A F to A Female Gender Changer Adaptor Coupler AF ) could lead to websites for dodgy surgical procedures :yikes:

Its a mix and match job doc.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/USB-to-DC-Jack-Cable/dp/B000WBBKEW
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adapter-Female-Black-interconnection-USB/dp/B0012XXX2Q/ref=pd_bxgy_ce_img_b

I think.

[RickyR]

This is what I've got; http://www.play.com/Electronics/Electronics/4-/3317770/Sony-MDR-NC22-In-Ear-Headphones/Product.html and it has the adapter included for airline sockets. I bought this for £17.99 when it was on special a few years back, but now is being sold fo £49.99??? If you look around for something similiar, you'll be very happy.

Rayna if you have the two pin connection/adapter that will be fine for emirates.

[Doc Alan]

Its a mix and match job doc.
... I think.
Thanks Andy :xxgrinning--00xx3:. It's either try three adapters on the Logitech USB headset - for a KLM flight next month - or, as Ricky suggests, buy another ( better ) headset. I'll let you all know the outcome after my return at the end of November :).
Either way, it's got to be better than watching the seemingly undending progress of the plane over Russia, or " Mr Bean " which doesn't require sound :omg:.

[Englishman2010]

Thanks Andy :xxgrinning--00xx3:. It's either try three adapters on the Logitech USB headset - for a KLM flight next month - or, as Ricky suggests, buy another ( better ) headset. I'll let you all know the outcome after my return at the end of November :).
Either way, it's got to be better than watching the seemingly undending progress of the plane over Russia, or " Mr Bean " which doesn't require sound :omg:.

Good luck Doc:xxgrinning--00xx3:

Actually I quite like looking at Novosibirsk on the screen in front of me, whilst I'm in a trance like state listening to music on my phone:Cuckoo:

[andy222]

Thanks Andy :xxgrinning--00xx3:. It's either try three adapters on the Logitech USB headset - for a KLM flight next month - or, as Ricky suggests, buy another ( better ) headset. I'll let you all know the outcome after my return at the end of November :).
Either way, it's got to be better than watching the seemingly undending progress of the plane over Russia, or " Mr Bean " which doesn't require sound :omg:.

No problem doc. Just trying to help. I dont know what the sockets are on emirates. I fly sunday.

[Dedworth]

This is how The Doc's headphone set up will look like :icon_lol:

http://devcentral.f5.com/weblogs/images/devcentral_f5_com/weblogs/dmacvittie/WindowsLiveWriter/WouldYouLikeSomeDiskWithThatCable_C1C0/CableMess.jpg

[Englishman2010]

This is how The Doc's headphone set up will look like :icon_lol:

http://devcentral.f5.com/weblogs/images/devcentral_f5_com/weblogs/dmacvittie/WindowsLiveWriter/WouldYouLikeSomeDiskWithThatCable_C1C0/CableMess.jpg

That looks like the top of a Filipino telegraph/electricity pole :icon_lol:

[Doc Alan]

This is how The Doc's headphone set up will look like :icon_lol:

http://devcentral.f5.com/weblogs/images/devcentral_f5_com/weblogs/dmacvittie/WindowsLiveWriter/WouldYouLikeSomeDiskWithThatCable_C1C0/CableMess.jpg5645

Thanks Ded for a shocking photo, but it would leave no room for this defibrillator ( might have the same effect ! ) ... :omg:

[Doc Alan]

Thanks again for the advice :xxgrinning--00xx3:
I purchased a JVC over ear headphone ( HA-S160-A ) available for around 11.50 GBP ( adequate on testing with my laptop ), and the airline headphone seat adaptor recommended by Ded, available for under 3 GBP, both from Amazon :).
The defibrillator is too heavy for hand baggage :yikes:

[Arthur Little]

I fly sunday.

:cwm24: ... do you really, Andy? Well, have a good trip, mate ... enjoy the time with your mahal ... and keep in touch. :xxgrinning--00xx3:

[andy222]

Will do Arthur. Thanks mate. Just want to get there now. I have worked for 5 months without having a week off. It will be worth it though my mahal will look after me I hope.

[andy222]

That looks like the top of a Filipino telegraph/electricity pole :icon_lol:

Too right Englishman, I was amazed when they installed cable tv in our place. God knows how they didnt get electicuted. I have got to say I have to laugh when i see things like that over there. Love it.:laugher:

[tone]

Id really suggest noise cancelling headphones mate.
The only issue I they start at about £70 and the ones I use are £250 but are very good. Bose do some good ones too but if you travel a lot they are worth the investment.

Once you've had some noise cancelling you will never regret it.

Hope this has some value!
Tone

[Doc Alan]

Once you've had some noise cancelling you will never regret it.
Hope this has some value!
Tone
Thanks for the advice, next time I'll see how I get on with the cheap set, which have to be better than the one supplied by KLM :).

[Dedworth]

My Thomson noise cancelling headphones cost about £7.50 in 2008 seem perfectly adequate to me. Glad you got it sorted Doc