How do you drown out airport noise?

If the noise of flights passing overhead is unbearable and you're able to do some repairs on your home, you may also consider getting some noise-canceling curtains, insulating your windows and doors and filling in any sound gaps that may help quiet your environment.



Drowning out the cacophony of an airport—from screaming jet engines to loud boarding announcements—requires a "layered" approach to sound management. The most effective tool is a pair of Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) headphones, such as the Sony WH-1000XM5 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra, which use microphones to neutralize low-frequency ambient sounds. For sleeping in terminals, many travelers combine ANC earbuds with silicone or foam earplugs for "double protection." Using a white noise app (like Dark Noise or Rain Rain) can also help mask the erratic high-pitched sounds of terminal chatter. If you are working, lo-fi music or binaural beats are excellent for maintaining focus. For those on a budget, even standard "wrap-around" sleep masks with built-in speakers can provide a psychological and physical barrier against the chaotic airport environment.

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For those who want to sleep better at night but are haunted by the frequent buzz of airplanes, consider investing in a pair of noise-blocking headphones you can sleep in -- here are some of the best sleep headphones we've tested.

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Airplane noise can be very annoying, especially if you live or work near an airport, and you should know that experiencing that noise constantly can be bad for your health. Some of the negative side effects include high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke and increased risk of heart attack.

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During the day, when the air is warmer than the ground, noise energy from an airplane staying in the air, so while you can still hear it, it seems quieter. Conversely, at night, when the ground is warmer than the air, the noise is drawn down, making it seem louder.

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While FAA's Aviation Noise Ombudsman is the public liaison for aircraft noise, it's best to first contact the local airport office staff or manager to address concerns about changes in flight patterns, hours of flights in your community, or airport or aircraft noise.

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How to Know If You Live Under a Flight Path. Before you rent or buy a new home, you can check out a few websites and apps to find out if you live under a flight path. With FlightStats you can track flights by airport, whereas FlightAware Flight Tracker clues you into private planes as well.

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Many airports have established highly successful noise abatement or mitigation programs outside of the Part 150 process, by working proactively with neighboring communities and user groups to address the same objectives.

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There's a logical reason for keeping window shades open during takeoff and landing, which are considered the most critical phases of a flight: safety. In the event of an emergency, flight attendants are trained to look for debris, fire, or smoke outside before initiating an evacuation.

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Besides skinny seats, slim lavatories and overstuffed overhead bins, here's another reason to loathe the back of the airplane: It's noisier than the front. The noise inside an airplane is a choice airlines and airplane manufacturers make.

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Empty Gates One of the best resources for finding some extra space away from the crowds at the airport is to go to an empty gate and take advantage of the space. Most terminals will have unused gates, usually located away from the restaurant and shopping areas of the terminal.

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Jet airliners, on the inside, are loudest in the last few rows at the rear. Outside, right at the engine exhausts, but you're in serious danger from the engine if you're anywhere near that. Most of the noise goes backwards away from the plane.

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