You can get noise-cancelling headphones and there are many available. However, I'd recommend the Etymotics ER4S (my choice) or ER4P. They are a bit beyond your budget, though. $269 at Headroom.com. They aren't noise cancelling, but they do a fabulous job at blocking out external sounds with their earbuds design. The fidelity is exceptional. I NEVER use anything else except in the house. Just gave away 14 pairs of various portable headphones to charity I'm so sold on the Etymotics. They have a very good reputation for being good on planes and trains. They are robust and I've never had to repair them/have them repaired and I've had them over 4 years. I use them in the gym, etc. constantly. They probably ARE the "best headhones for the airplane." Etymotics has a new cheaper model, but I don't know how they compare. Maybe you could go with that one.