Recommend Travel Headphones, wireless, closed back, under $500msrp

I use the Bose (over-the-ears) as well. The ones I’ve got I’ve had for probably 6 or 7 years. The charge lasts a looong time and they sound great. In fact, I sometimes have to take them off to make sure nobody else can hear them. I usually watch a movie or two on the plane and I’m very happy with them. They’re also super comfy as well. I’m generally not a huge Bose fan but I would certainly recommend their headphones. 

I have owned and enjoyed the Bose, but now have and prefer the noise cancelling of the Sony WH 1000 XM6.  Probably cant go wrong with either and for airplanes don't need to spend more.  The Sony Noise cancelling is cool in that when you talk to someone the NC turns off.   

Thank you for the responses and insights! Looks like two good choices for my friend to consider. Other options welcome. 

I have the Sennheiser Momentum 5, it is fantastic

This topic has come up elsewhere a few times in various sites and the choices usually come down to the Bose and Sony.  I’ve owned previous iterations of both and the Bose had a much longer battery life