I have found it to be really helpful to carry disposable earplugs when I fly. Using them reduces the stress associated with flying - particularly if you are unfortunate enough to be sitting near a crying child.

Okaaaaay

It's actually MUCH better to invest in noise cancelling headpohones.

They also work if you are sitting next to someone giving "useful" advice

If you have to make a connection, do you use the same plugs on the 2nd flight?

Why don't you carry a toy for that same child?

You can also cut a pinky-size piece of the processed cheese that they serve for lunch to stick in your ear.

Better yet, you could pack a dozen pair & give them out to everyone who's stuck sitting around the crying child.

How about sticking the cheese down the child's throat?

The socks would probably block the cheese....

Those Delta flight attendants can be very loud and chatty during flights. I just read a review on the LAX Sydney flight and they woke everyone up all during the flight with their "announcements." www.airlinequality.com

I have actually given (new) foam earplugs to fellow passengers stuck by crying babies. My husband introduced me to carrying multiple pair on each trip (always seem to drop/lose one). They can be washed for reuse. He started wearing them while flying with the military.

I finally invested in noise canceling headphones before my last 12-hr flight and it made a world of difference.