On a wakeful red-eye from Johannesburg, I flicked through BA's duty-free magazine and found noise-cancelling headphones on sale for less than £100. Infuriating though the wailing of the three French infants was, it would take a wealthier passenger than me to buy them on the spot. But if you're a regular overnight flyer, you may think them a decent investment. Indeed, the in-flight gadgetry market is booming.
Noise-cancelling headphones
The top of the range Bose Quiet Comfort headphones (bose.co.uk/headphones/) cost over £200, with the latest version priced at £275. Still, UK delivery is free until Christmas. If that is too much, Amazon.co.uk sells a Philips version for under £50.
Flight socks
Available from Scholl (schollflightsocks.co.uk) for £11.95 - slightly less than at Boots.com, which sells a reasonable selection of earplugs and Ear Planes, the devices designed to regulate air pressure and stop sinus pain.
Leg exercisers
The in-flight 'leg workout' sits on the floor and encourages you to wiggle your feet. Does it help to prevent DVT? Airogym (airogym.com) would like you to think so, and boasts two doctors' testimonials. You can also buy it at boots.com. Equipped4travel.co.uk sells a similar version for £7.99, including delivery.
Knee defenders
You may already have heard of these devices (kneedefender.com) - they clip on to your tray so that the person sitting in front of you cannot recline their seat. Northwest Airlines has banned them, citing safety concerns; the inventor, 6" 4' Ira Goldman, responded by introducing a new version which addresses the airline's objections. He won't ship them to the UK, but with the co-operation of a contact in the US, you should have no trouble obtaining them.
Baby and toddler equipment
Try Mothercare (mothercare.com) for 'out and about' sets and travel change mats. You can find a more interesting selection of products for the travelling infant at babygoes2.com/main_equip_onmove.asp).
