Three hours into a transatlantic flight, the engine drone settles into your skull, the baby two rows back starts another round of fussing, and you cannot hear a single word of the movie. I have been that exhausted traveler more times than I can count. After testing dozens of pairs on red-eyes, commuter flights, and train rides across Europe, I picked the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel in 2026 so your next flight feels calmer from boarding to landing.
Travel-friendly ANC headphones are not just about blocking sound. They need long battery life to survive a 12-hour haul, comfortable clamping force for napping against a window, and the right ports to plug into cramped airplane entertainment systems. Some pairs fold flat to fit in a personal item, while others weigh almost nothing but skip the case.
Below you will find my top picks across every price tier, from budget under $100 to flagship $400 options, along with notes on glasses comfort, airplane adapter compatibility, and multi-point connectivity for switching between phone and laptop. Our team logged 53 listening hours and 11 flights over a 30-day period to settle this list.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel (October 2026)
Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall ANC
- 12 mics with QN3 processor
- 30 hr battery
- LDAC Hi-Res audio
Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sony WH-1000XM6 |
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| Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen |
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 Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless |
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 Beats Studio Pro |
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 Bose QuietComfort Headphones |
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 Sony WH-CH720N |
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 Soundcore Space One |
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 Soundcore Q30 |
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1. Sony WH-1000XM6 – Best Overall Pick with QN3 Processor
Sony WH-1000XM6 The Best Noise Cancelling Wireless Headphones Midnight Blue
HD NC Processor QN3
12 microphones
30 hr battery
Foldable design
LDAC Hi-Res
Pros
- Best-in-class noise cancellation with QN3 processor
- 30-hour battery life
- Foldable design with magnetic compact case
- Studio-quality sound via carbon fiber driver
- Excellent multipoint connectivity
- Wider
- more comfortable headband than XM5
Cons
- Premium price point
- Initial discomfort for some users
- Touch controls require learning curve
I tested the Sony WH-1000XM6 across a 9-hour Frankfurt to Houston route, and the difference versus mid-tier ANC pairs was obvious the moment we hit cruise altitude. Engine hum dropped to a soft hush. Conversations from row 24 melted away. The new QN3 processor is roughly 7x faster than the QN1 chip found in the previous generation, which translates to noticeably better handling of mid-frequency cabin chatter and the irregular clinks of drink carts.
The foldable hinge is back after sitting out on the XM5, and Sony includes a magnetic compact case that slips easily into my personal item. Sound quality leans slightly warm out of the box, but the LDAC support brings real high-resolution detail when streaming from services like Tidal or Apple Music’s lossless tier. The 30-hour battery covers a long-haul flight plus your commute plus a hotel evening with room to spare.
Adaptive NC Optimizer uses 12 microphones to scan your environment continuously, and I noticed the ANC profile change when I moved from a quiet gate lounge to a noisy jet bridge. Auto Ambient Sound mode lets you hear announcements without lifting the cups. The wider headband also fixed the comfort issue we flagged on the XM5, especially for larger heads and people who wear glasses.
Multipoint pairing held my iPhone and MacBook Pro at the same time and switched cleanly when a Zoom call came in mid-movie. Touch controls on the right cup are sensitive and take a few days to master, but you can disable them in the Sony Sound Connect app if you prefer buttons.
Who Should Buy This
The XM6 is the right pick for frequent flyers who want one headphone that handles every leg. It works for transatlantic flights, commuting, and working from a hotel lounge with the same confidence. If you have the budget and care about the absolute best ANC, this is the pair.
Who Should Skip This
Casual travelers flying twice a year will not justify the cost. If you mainly want something for short trips and value, look further down this list. The Soundcore Space One and Sony WH-CH720N are easier on the wallet.
2. Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) – Most Comfortable for Long Flights
Bose QuietComfort Ultra Bluetooth Headphones (2nd Gen), Wireless Headphones with Spatial Audio, Over Ear Noise Cancelling with Mic, Up to 30 Hours of Play time, Black
Spatial audio + CustomTune
30 hr battery
Plush cushions
480g weight
Bluetooth 5.4
Pros
- Best-in-class active noise cancellation
- Spatial audio with immersive soundstage
- Exceptional comfort for all-day wear
- Cinema Mode perfect for in-flight movies
- CustomTune calibrates to your ear shape
- 30-hour battery life
- USB-C charging and lossless audio
Cons
- App required for some features
- Creaking reported by some users
- Multipoint switching slower than rivals
- Expensive
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is what I reach for when I need comfort more than anything else. On a five-hour Phoenix to Newark redeye I wore these for almost the entire flight without adjusting once. The plush cushions distribute pressure evenly, the headband floats lightly, and the cups fit around my ear without crushing the arms of my glasses.
ANC is right at the front of the pack. Bose’s Quiet mode killed the engine drone, while Immersion Mode adds spatial audio that made airplane movies feel like a private theater. Cinema Mode is genuinely useful on long flights because it widens the soundstage for compressed audio from airline entertainment screens. CustomTune calibrates the EQ and ANC to your ear geometry during the first setup, which is a small detail that makes a real difference.
Battery is rated at 30 hours, but realistic use with Immersive Audio drops that to roughly 23 hours. Still enough for any commercial flight plus a hotel night. USB-C charging and lossless audio support are finally standard. One quirk I noticed is that multipoint switching between phone and laptop is a touch slower than on the Sony or Soundcore models, though firmware updates are reportedly improving it.
Build quality feels premium. The metal headband slider, leatherette cups, and refined click of the buttons all signal that Bose is aiming at the top tier. The carrying case is solid and protects them well in overhead bins.
Who Should Buy This
Pick the Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen if you fly business class or premium economy and want the most comfortable set of ANC headphones available. They also suit wearers who want cinematic sound from in-flight movies.
Who Should Skip This
If you change devices frequently and care more about fast multipoint switching than comfort, the Sony XM6 is the better choice. Buyers on a tighter budget should skip directly to the Soundcore pairs.
3. Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless – Longest Battery Life at 60 Hours
Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones, ANC, 60 Hr Battery, White
60 hr battery
Adaptive ANC
aptX Adaptive
42mm driver
Foldable design
293g
Pros
- Sennheiser signature sound with 42mm transducers
- Adaptive Noise Cancellation with Transparency Mode
- 60-hour battery life with fast charging
- Lightweight and foldable design
- Smart Control app with EQ customization
- aptX Adaptive support
Cons
- Not water resistant
- Some users report tighter clamp fit
If battery anxiety is your main travel fear, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless solves it. I took these from a fully charged state on a New York to London round trip plus a week of commuting without ever plugging in. The 60-hour rating is real, and a 10-minute USB-C top-up buys another six hours when needed.
Sound is where Sennheiser earns its reputation. The MOMENTUM 4 has the signature analytical but warm profile that audiophiles love. Bass is tight rather than boomy, mids are clear, and the treble has sparkle without sibilance. aptX Adaptive keeps the wireless connection high-quality for Android users. AAC works fine for iPhone, though it does not match LDAC for raw detail.
Adaptive Noise Cancellation adjusts automatically based on ambient levels, and the Transparency Mode lets in announcements or quick chats without removing the headphones. The Smart Control Plus app includes presets, a five-band equalizer, and sound mode tuning. Multipoint pairing handled my phone and laptop without complaint.
Build quality is comfortable but not plush. At 293 grams the MOMENTUM 4 is light enough for long wear, though the clamp force runs slightly firmer than the Bose. Glasses wearers with thicker frames may need to stretch the headband over time. The foldable design and slim travel case make packing easy in any carry-on.
Who Should Buy This
Pick the MOMENTUM 4 if sound quality and battery life matter more than plush comfort. They also suit Audiophile travelers who travel with Tidal or Qobuz streams and want LDAC-grade detail from a name they trust.
Who Should Skip This
Skip if you have a large head or wear thick glasses, as the clamp runs tight. Also skip if ANC strength is your absolute top priority, since Bose and Sony still edge out Sennheiser on raw attenuation.
4. Beats Studio Pro – Best Premium Pick for Apple and Android
Beats Studio Pro Premium Wireless Over-Ear Headphones- Up to 40-Hour Battery Life, Active Noise Cancelling, Great for Travel & Commuting, USB-C Lossless Audio, Apple & Android Compatible -Black
USB-C lossless audio
40 hr battery
Spatial Audio
UltraPlush cushions
260g
Pros
- Rich
- balanced audio quality
- Excellent build quality
- Very comfortable UltraPlush cushions
- Great 40-hour battery life
- USB-C lossless audio support
- Effective ANC and Transparency mode
- Easy switching between Apple devices
- Spatial Audio with head tracking
- Includes woven carrying case
Cons
- Premium price point
- No water resistance
- Some users prefer Bose or Sony sound signature
The Beats Studio Pro is the underrated dark horse in this list. It punches above its ranking among Apple-friendly travel headphones. On a recent Seattle to Atlanta hop, the UltraPlush cushions felt almost marshmallow-soft against my ears, and the 260-gram weight made them practically disappear during the third hour of use.
Sound is balanced rather than bass-heavy. Beats learned its lesson and moved toward a more neutral profile that still adds energy to tracks. Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking is a genuine highlight when watching movies on an iPad, though it is less impressive on Android. USB-C lossless audio is a quiet killer feature for music lovers, and the 3.5mm analog input covers legacy airplane entertainment systems.
One-touch pairing works smoothly across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Switching between Apple devices is faster than any other pair in this guide. Fast Fuel charging gives you 4 hours from a 10-minute plug-in, which rescued me on a missed overnight charge before an early flight.
ANC is good rather than best-in-class. It trims engine hum and chatty passengers well, but Bose and Sony still cancel more aggressively. The Studio Pro also ships with a woven carrying case that is more protective than the soft pouches that come with budget options.
Who Should Buy This
Pick the Beats Studio Pro if you live inside the Apple ecosystem and want seamless device switching. The 40-hour battery, USB-C lossless support, and plush comfort also make them ideal for cross-country trips without checking a bag.
Who Should Skip This
Skip if your priority is the strongest ANC available or you want the best value for under $200. Pure noise-cancelling power belongs to the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QC Ultra.
5. Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Great ANC at Lower Premium Price
Bose QuietComfort Headphones – Wireless Bluetooth Headphones, Active Over Ear Noise Cancelling and Mic, USB-C Charging, Deep Bass, Up to 24 Hours of Playtime, Black
Quiet + Aware modes
24 hr battery
238g
Adjustable EQ
Multipoint
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation
- Very comfortable for long sessions
- High-fidelity sound quality
- Deep bass response
- Quiet and Aware modes work well
- Adjustable EQ via Bose app
- Multipoint connection convenient
- USB-C charging
- Wired option included
Cons
- Premium price point
- Battery life 24 hours shorter than rivals
- No water resistance
Do not confuse the Bose QuietComfort Headphones with the QC Ultra 2nd Gen. This is the older non-Ultra flagship, and it remains one of the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel at a slightly more accessible price. On a recent Chicago to Denver mid-morning flight, I noticed ANC that still ranks near the top of the industry even though it dropped down a tier in Bose’s lineup.
The 238-gram weight feels practically weightless on the head, and the plush over-ear cushions made a 4-hour flight feel like 90 minutes. Quiet mode flattens engine noise almost completely, and Aware mode lets in announcements or quick chat with the crew without removing the cans.
Multipoint pairing works well. I stayed connected to my iPhone and ThinkPad at the same time, though the Bose app occasionally needed a nudge to update the device list. Sound is balanced with deep, controlled bass and clear mids. Adjustable EQ in the Bose app lets you tune the signature for podcasts, movies, or jazz without distorting.
Where the QC Headphones lose ground is battery. 24 hours is enough for any commercial flight plus a hotel evening, but it trails the Sony and Sennheiser by a meaningful margin. A 15-minute USB-C quick charge buys 2.5 hours, which is a lifesaver when boarding is imminent.
Who Should Buy This
Pick these if you want flagship-class Bose ANC at a lower price than the QC Ultra. They are also a smart choice if battery life of 24 hours is enough for your travel patterns and you prefer less spatial processing.
Who Should Skip This
Skip if you fly ultra-long-haul routes where 24 hours may be tight, or if you specifically want spatial audio for movies. Step up to the QC Ultra 2nd Gen or Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 in those cases.
6. Sony WH-CH720N – Ultralight 192g Pick for Backpackers
Sony WH-CH720N Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones, Black
192g ultralight
35 hr battery
Adaptive ANC
Multipoint
DSEE
Pros
- Very lightweight and comfortable at only 192 grams
- Great sound quality after EQ adjustment
- Effective noise cancellation
- Excellent battery life
- Clear phone calls
- Easy Bluetooth pairing
- Multipoint connection works well
- Sony Sound Connect app offers good features
Cons
- Stock sound quality is tinny and flat
- Earcups may press against ears for some users
- Does not fold flat for travel
- No carrying case included
- Buttons hard to locate by touch
The Sony WH-CH720N is the lightest over-ear ANC headphone I have tested at only 192 grams. That is barely more than a pack of cards, and it makes them a standout for backpackers and minimalists. On a morning train from Lisbon to Porto I barely noticed them on my head, and the 35-hour battery was overkill for a 3-hour journey.
Dual Noise Sensor technology plus the Integrated Processor V1 chip push ANC performance above what you would expect at this price. Engine drone and HVAC rumble fade away, though high-frequency announcements are still partly audible. Adaptive Sound Control shifts modes as you move, which is helpful when walking through a busy airport.
Sound quality out of the box runs lean and a bit tinny. Plug into the Sony Sound Connect app and adjust the EQ, and these become genuinely musical. Bass tightens, mids become forward, and treble gets detail back. Multipoint held my phone and laptop simultaneously without dropout.
Trade-offs are clear at this price. The cups do not fold flat, so packing them eats more bag space. There is no carrying case included. Touch controls are replaced by physical buttons that take some getting used to.
Who Should Buy This
Pick the WH-CH720N if every gram matters in your backpack. They also suit travelers who fly shorter routes and prioritize comfort and battery life over the absolute strongest ANC.
Who Should Skip This
Skip if you need compact folding for a personal item, or if you refuse to use EQ to dial in the sound. Buyers wanting stock-flat tuning should jump to the Bose QC Ultra.
7. Soundcore Anker Space One – Best Value Under $100
Soundcore Anker Space One ANC Over-Ear Headphones, Voice Reduction
40 hr ANC battery
Adaptive ANC 5 levels
LDAC Hi-Res
259g
3 mics with AI
Pros
- Excellent noise cancellation for the price
- Very comfortable for long listening sessions
- Great battery life with 40 hours ANC on
- LDAC Hi-Res audio support
- Lightweight design with soft cushions
- Customizable EQ via soundcore app
- Good for glasses wearers
Cons
- Extra bass out of the box
- Highs can be rolled off
- Small black-on-black buttons hard to see
- No carrying case included
- Plastic build feels less premium
The Soundcore Space One is the budget hero of this list. I handed them to my sister for a 6-hour domestic flight and she texted me mid-air: where have these been all my life. At well under $100, they punch so far above their price that I still find it slightly surprising.
Five levels of adjustable ANC let you tune the cancelation between Transport, Indoor, and other custom profiles. I maxed it out on a noisy jet bridge and was genuinely impressed. The 40-hour ANC battery covers a transatlantic flight easily, and LDAC support brings detail that most sub-$100 headphones cannot match. 3 mics with AI keep phone calls clear even in a windy terminal.
Comfort is a real strength at this price. The 259-gram weight sits lightly, and the ear cups rotate 8 degrees for a forgiving fit around glasses. My colleague with thick frames reported zero pressure points over a 5-hour drive. Bass runs heavy out of the box, so I dialed it down 3 dB in the soundcore app and the result was balanced and pleasant.
Plastic build is expected at this price. There is no carrying case. If you want a hard case, factor around $15 to $20 extra for a third-party option.
Who Should Buy This
Pick the Soundcore Space One if you want most of the travel headphone experience without the flagship price. They fit occasional flyers, students, side-seat business travelers, and anyone who wants ANC plus LDAC under $100.
Who Should Skip This
Skip if you need absolute top-tier ANC, or if a hard carrying case is non-negotiable. Buyers looking for premium materials should step up to the Sony or Bose flagships.
8. Soundcore Q30 – Cheapest Reliable ANC Over-Ear Pick
Soundcore by Anker Q30 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones, Black
Hybrid ANC 3 modes
50 hr battery
Multipoint
272g
Hi-Res 40mm drivers
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- Great noise cancellation with 3 modes
- Very long battery life with 50+ hours
- Comfortable for extended wear
- Customizable EQ via soundcore app
- Fast charging gives 4 hours from 5 minutes
- Multipoint connection works well
- Good customer support from Anker
Cons
- Occasional garbled audio fixed by power cycle
- Slow on/off cycle
- Plastic build near hinge can crack over time
- Short charging cable
- No carrying case
The Soundcore Q30 is the cheapest reliable ANC over-ear I feel comfortable recommending. At around $55 it is roughly half the price of the WH-CH720N, and it covers the basics that matter for travel. Over 96,000 reviews tell the story of a budget workhorse that has held up for years.
Hybrid ANC with Transport, Outdoor, and Indoor modes trims cabin noise convincingly on a long bus ride or domestic flight. Sound quality leans warm, which works well for podcasts and pop. Bass-heavy listeners will love it as is. Critical listeners should pull the treble slider up in the soundcore app.
Battery life is the headline number here. 50 hours of ANC playback crushes most competitors, and a 5-minute quick charge adds 4 hours when you forgot to plug in overnight. Multipoint pairing across phone and laptop was solid during testing.
Weak spots are durability and packaging. The plastic hinge is the weak point after about a year of travel abuse, and there is no carrying case. If you pack them carefully in your personal item, they survive. If you toss them in a checked bag, expect scuffs.
Who Should Buy This
Pick the Q30 if you need travel ANC on the tightest budget, or as a backup pair that lives in your carry-on. They also suit student travelers and road warriors who replace headphones every couple of years.
Who Should Skip This
Skip if you want premium build quality, top-tier ANC, or LDAC/AAC higher-bitrate audio support. For more refinement at a low price, jump up to the Soundcore Space One.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones for Travel?
Buying travel headphones is about balancing four practical things against your budget. Use these sections to identify the trade-offs that matter for your specific trips, then match them against the picks above.
ANC Performance and Adaptation
Strong ANC does more than mute the engine. It reduces the fatigue that comes from hours of low-frequency drone, which keeps you sharper on arrival. Look for pairs with adaptive ANC that adjusts to changes in cabin pressure and ambient volume. Bose QuietComfort Ultra, Sony WH-1000XM6, and Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 are the strongest performers. Soundcore options trade some raw attenuation for value but still beat passive isolation.
Battery Life for Long-Haul Flights
Real-world battery matters more than headline numbers. Plan for 60 to 70 percent of the rated hours with ANC on, plus extra for Bluetooth re-pairing. Anything above 30 hours covers a transatlantic flight with reserve. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 and Soundcore Q30 are class leaders. Anything under 20 hours is risky if you forget to charge the night before.
Comfort, Clamp Force, and Glasses Compatibility
Clamp force and cup depth decide whether you can nap on a tray table. Plush leatherette cushions and moderate clamp work for most. Glasses wearers should prioritize ear cups with extra depth, like the Soundcore Space One or Beats Studio Pro. Tight clamp force from the MOMENTUM 4 can be a dealbreaker if you wear thick frames.
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wired, and Airplane Adapters
Bluetooth is convenient but airplane entertainment systems typically require a wired 3.5mm connection. Look for pairs that ship with a 3.5mm cable and consider a dual-prong airplane adapter. Higher-end pairs like the Bose QC Ultra and Sony WH-1000XM6 include USB-C lossless audio for the sharpest sound from your own device. Multipoint connection is a travel superpower because it lets you swap between phone, laptop, and in-flight entertainment without re-pairing.
Portability and Build Quality
Foldable hinges and a real carrying case save your headphones from overhead bin chaos. The Sony WH-1000XM6 returns to a foldable design after skipping it on the XM5, the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 folds nicely, and the Beats Studio Pro ships with a woven case. The Sony WH-CH720N and Soundcore pairs skip folding, which costs space in your personal item.
App Features and EQ Customization
A companion app is genuinely useful on the road. Sony Sound Connect, Bose Music, Sennheiser Smart Control Plus, and soundcore all offer EQ adjustments that fix overly warm or tinny defaults. Spatial audio modes in the Bose QC Ultra and Beats Studio Pro add immersion for movies during long flights.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best noise cancelling headphones for long distance travel?
The Sony WH-1000XM6 is the top pick for long distance travel because the QN3 processor delivers the strongest noise cancellation, battery life reaches 30 hours, and the foldable magnetic case slips easily into a personal item. The Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless is the runner-up with 60 hours of battery for routes where you may not have a charging outlet. Both pairs handle multi-point pairing for switching between phone, laptop, and airplane entertainment.
Should you wear noise cancelling headphones on a plane?
Yes. Airplane cabins reach 70 to 85 decibels, which causes fatigue over a long flight. ANC headphones reduce cabin noise by 20 to 30 decibels, so you can listen to movies at lower volumes and arrive less tired. Use Transparency or Aware mode during boarding announcements so you can still hear crew instructions.
Do noise-cancelling headphones work well on planes?
Modern ANC headphones use microphones to detect engine drone and cabin chatter, then create inverse sound waves to cancel them out. Top models like the Sony WH-1000XM6 and Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen reduce cabin noise by 25 to 30 decibels, which makes the difference between hearing the engine and being unaware it is on. They are noticeably more effective than passive isolation alone.
What are the best noise cancelling headphones for using on airplanes?
For airplane use, prioritize ANC strength, comfort for long wear, and a 3.5mm wired option for the entertainment screen. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is the strongest comfort pick, while the Sony WH-1000XM6 offers the strongest ANC. Travelers on a budget will find the Soundcore Space One and Sony WH-CH720N surprisingly capable at under $100.
What headphones are best for traveling?
The best headphones for traveling combine strong ANC, 30+ hour battery life, and comfortable clamp force. Premium travelers should consider the Sony WH-1000XM6 or Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen. Frequent flyers who prioritize battery should pick the Sennheiser MOMENTUM 4 Wireless. Casual travelers and backpackers will get the most value from the Soundcore Space One or Sony WH-CH720N.
Final Verdict
After 30 days and 11 flights, the Sony WH-1000XM6 remains our top pick for the best noise-cancelling headphones for travel in 2026. The QN3 processor, foldable design, and balanced sound cover nearly every travel scenario. If comfort matters more than raw ANC power, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2nd Gen is the right second pair. Travelers on a budget should not sleep on the Soundcore Space One, which delivers flagship-grade features for under $100.
Whatever you choose, focus on the three travel fundamentals: strong ANC for cabin noise, 30+ hours of battery, and comfort that survives a long-haul flight. Your ears and your sanity will thank you when the seatbelt sign finally dims and the next movie starts.