I’ve experiencing this same issue on every flight now using APP3, and considering returning. Tried multiple different ear tip sizes. Reset and re-paired. It’s not just pressure changes, as it occurs at steady altitude in addition to ascending and descending. I’m very surprised Apple didn’t catch this issue by testing the ANC on aircraft more extensively during product testing, since that is an extremely common use case for ANC headphones. They also generate weird popping/thumping noises while running, or tinny echoes sometimes while scratching my head. Hopefully there is a software fix. AP1 ANC worked just fine (until case failed to charge left earbud).

The fact that it's mostly reported in the left AirPod is also oddly specific

I’ve never understood the hype around AirPods noise cancellation. It’s been noticeably worse than Bose from the beginning and I just keep going back to Bose. I don’t know how others may rank, but it’s just that I was using Bose noise cancellation headphones since before Apple got into headphones and as much as I like the form factor of AirPods every time I use them on a flight or something I feel like I’m punishing myself for not using the Bose ones. Have always been curious if I’m alone in this as so many people sing praises for AirPod Pros, anyone else relate?

I've not noticed them feeding back while listening but it happens whenever I put them in the case together for a split second. I also get a drop-out every time I walk past certain spots in my apartment building hallway because of what I'm guessing are ultrasonic sensors on fragrance dispensers or light fixtures. Definitely buggier than the previous version but the improvements in sonic accuracy and noise cancellation are well worth the inconvenience IMO.

I have this issue intermittently just when walking around, at sea level! I can make them start screaming just by holding them even - The Airpods 2 do not have the same issue.

God I have a similar problem with APP3 on flights only. They seem to allow in this deep rumble vibration that my APP2 did not :( Otherwise the APP3 are much better in office, home, etc.

"The issue would go away for me as soon as I yawn…"

So perhaps sealing your ears does not allow your ears to "pop" from the cabin pressure changes?

I am surprised that Apple did not test in a way that revealed these problems (testing around a variety of loud noises, and especially testing on airplanes, where the product is used a lot).

And I am surprised that, if they did do the testing, they shipped anyway.

But I am becoming less and less surprised via-à-vis Apple problems, because they seem to be occurring with increasing frequency.

Apple, take note.

This just sounds like the fallacy of ignoring corner / minority use cases.

A minority of users might encounter a flaw in a corner case, but if that's an important corner case, it's a defect: IE, Airpods might only be used on flights 1% of the time, but for the people who use them on flights, it's a very important (and hyper-critical) use case.

:( I recently lost my APP1 and was going to buy new airpods this week. I guess I'm going to look elsewhere until Apple improves their quality. I'm one of the few that are bothered by ANC, so I don't use it. But I also don't want to buy/support a subpar product release.