Despite having all the kit, I have never managed to get used to listening to music on earphones. So I almost never use my iPhone or iPad for listening to music on a plane. I have proper speakers with a dock at home and the sound is much better.
For the same reason I can't really ever get on with podcasts.
I didn't realise why, until a friend said he didn't like stuff in his ears, and I have to say I feel the same. I guess those big ear muffs might be better, but I don't like the idea of going round with boxing gloves on my head. Nor do I like feeling it's a bit dangerous not to hear what's going on in the background.
Am I really missing something?