United Airlines to Ban Passengers Who Refuse Headphone Use

New policy requires travelers to use headphones when playing audio or video on personal devices.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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United Airlines has updated its passenger contract to require travelers to wear headphones when listening to audio or video on personal devices. The airline warns that those who refuse could be removed from a flight or even permanently banned from future travel.

Why it matters

This new policy from United Airlines aims to address the disruptive behavior of passengers who play audio or video without headphones, which can negatively impact the experience of other travelers. It represents an effort by the airline industry to establish clearer rules around acceptable in-flight behavior.

The details

United's updated contract of carriage now lists 'passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content' as a reason for the airline to refuse transport. This appears to make United the first major U.S. carrier to formally require headphone use in its passenger agreement, rather than just requesting it as a courtesy. Passengers who forget their headphones may be able to request free earbuds from the airline, if available.

  • United Airlines updated its contract of carriage on Friday, March 4, 2026.

The players

United Airlines

A major U.S. airline that has updated its passenger contract to require the use of headphones when playing audio or video on personal devices.

Scott Keyes

A travel expert who says United's new policy is 'a graceful way to handle' the small number of passengers who make noise by not using headphones.

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What they’re saying

“This is in line with how the vast majority of travelers comport themselves and would like others to comport themselves. It's usually only a small number of folks on airplanes who are making noise by not using headphones, so this is a graceful way to handle those folks.”

— Scott Keyes, Travel expert (CBS News)

What’s next

United Airlines has not specified any definite next steps related to the implementation of this new headphone policy, but it is likely the airline will begin enforcing the rule immediately and may take disciplinary action against passengers who refuse to comply.

The takeaway

United's new headphone policy highlights the airline industry's efforts to address disruptive passenger behavior and maintain a comfortable in-flight experience for all travelers. This rule could set a precedent for other major carriers to follow suit, establishing clearer expectations around acceptable noise levels on planes.