Passengers who blast videos or music on planes might want to pack headphones next time they fly. United Airlines headphone policy now gives the airline authority to remove or even permanently ban passengers who refuse to use headphones while watching or listening to content during flights. The Chicago-based carrier quietly updated its contract of carriage on February 27, making the rule official as in-flight internet and streaming become more common.
According to the airline’s updated policy, passengers who play audio from phones, tablets, laptops, or other devices without headphones could face serious consequences. United says it can refuse transport, remove a passenger from a flight, or permanently ban them from flying with the airline if they violate the rule.
“UA has the right to refuse transport, on a permanent basis, any passenger who engages in any of the activities in this Rule,” the company explained on its website.
The airline says the move is about keeping the cabin comfortable for everyone on board.
“We’ve always encouraged customers to use headphones when listening to audio content, and our Wi Fi rules already remind customers to use headphones,” United said in a statement to ABC News. “With the expansion of Starlink, it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage.”
Some United aircraft already offer complimentary plug-in headphones through seatback entertainment systems. However, passengers using personal devices are expected to bring their own earbuds or headphones.
United is not alone in tightening audio rules inside the cabin. Southwest Airlines already requires headphones anytime passengers listen to audio because the airline does not provide seatback screens or headphone rentals onboard. Delta Air Lines does not require the use of headphones, but strongly suggests passengers use them while flying.
So if your travel bag is packed but your headphones are not, airlines are making it clear that could soon be a problem.
