Imagine headsets so well designed they’re more sustainable, they cancel out aircraft noise and have soft leatherette earpads for maximum comfort.
These are demand-led trends currently shaping the headset market, and as inflight entertainment (IFE) systems increasingly support Bluetooth connectivity, passengers are increasingly looking for wireless headsets, or to pair their own headphones onboard.
‘Ear today…
Suppliers report that air passengers want quality products that are lightweight, comfortable and reliable. When headsets don’t work properly they get frustrated. They don’t want bulky headphones that cause discomfort during a flight either. Getting this right makes a difference.
Linstol is among suppliers leading the way in innovative and sustainable headset design. Its Phitek product is lightweight, helping to reduce aircraft fuel consumption. It also boasts a modular construction that allows for easy part replacement instead of discarding whole units. Its Meridian ergonomic, over-ear headsets are designed to combat listening fatigue. Engineered to enhance comfort and reduce sensory strain, they allow passengers to rest and focus.
Similarly, Clip’s noise-cancelling modular headphones for flydubai Business can be separated into four main parts: headband with ear cups, electronic modules, cables and earpads. The design, which recently won an Onboard Hospitality award for Best Onboard Technology – Hardware, means airlines can simply replace defective parts individually.
Cindy Lam, Director at Clip, says: “Many passengers bring their high-quality retail headphones with them, so airlines need to offer an equal or more superior quality product to match expectations. Branding partnerships have become prevalent and you’ll start to see more collaborations, as well as a move towards more sustainable products.”
Jakob Levison, Global Director Audio at Linstol, adds: “Airlines are asking for high-performance audio, exceptional durability – especially in Business and above – and long product life to maximise the carrier’s investment. Passengers want comfort, performance and effective noise cancellation. They want headsets that work from the moment they plug them in – no sound issues, no faulty adapters, no frustration mid-flight.”
Plug in, tune out
At InflightDirect, the company’s most popular headset for Economy is a rubber-tipped earbud that provides improved comfort during longer flights. It reduces exterior ambient noise as the ear tips sit inside the ear canal, creating a seal. When it comes to premium cabins, it says customers want branded high-end headphones that resemble the products they’ve seen in stores.
Thomas G Mockler, President at InflightDirect, explains: “When passengers are using premium headsets for long flights they should be treated to an optimum studio-quality sound experience. Sound quality is key to the customer experience – it can make passengers forget they’re at 36,000ft and allows for refreshing travel.”
D’Nae Woodruff, Linstol’s Global Brand Manager, notes: “Traditionally airline headsets were generic – usually black with an airline logo – because they were seen as functional accessories. But IFE is no longer just an add-on; it’s a central part of the onboard experience. Airlines are using these systems to improve overall passenger satisfaction and even generate advertising revenue, so getting passengers plugged in happily is more important than ever.”
Looking good
Airlines are elevating headset design to match the quality and aesthetics of other premium inflight offerings such as food and cabin design. Higher-quality materials and retail-inspired looks, such as matte finishes, metallic accents and refined textures, match those found in premium consumer electronics and luxury car interiors. This shift mirrors the broader trend towards personalisation.
Woodruff adds: “Just as consumers can now buy headphones from Apple, Sony or Bose in cream, blue or tan, passengers are beginning to expect that same visual sophistication onboard. Airlines are responding, particularly in Business, First and Premium Economy, where the sound experience really is a major brand differentiator. While passengers may not notice every detail, they feel the difference. That’s the power of thoughtful design – it gives you headsets that don’t just deliver great sound but also seamlessly reflect the airline’s brand story.”
So what does the future hold for headsets? InflightDirect’s Mockler sees change coming. He predicts: “As AI uses are evolved, we’ll see headphones adapting to their environments. Technologies such as AR and 3D audio are yet to be tailored for the airline world, but it’s only a matter of time.”
