On Friday, 27 February 2026, United Airlines updated its contract of carriage. A clause was added that gives personnel the right to remove passengers from a flight if they refuse to use headphones.
With the rise in the popularity of smartphones over the years, travellers have been confronted with a growing number of disturbances. One situation in particular has been known to create tensions with fellow passengers when aboard a bus, train, plane, or any other kind of group transportation: the refusal to use headphones.
While many consider it to be common courtesy, not everyone agrees. Up until now, airlines and other companies have little means to oblige travellers to listen to their music, movies, or TikTok videos while using headphones, but things are starting to change.
@everybodylovesanoutlaw what level ipad baby did he grow up as to think that this is acceptable behavior ? READ THE ROOOOOM dude….could you imagine if we all did that?
♬ original sound – Bonnie Elizabeth Sims
Since 27 February 2026, United Airlines has included a clause in its contract of carriage, allowing personnel to remove any passenger from a flight who refuses to wear headphones.
“UA shall have the right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point, any Passenger for the following reasons. […] Whenever refusal or removal of a Passenger may be necessary for the safety of such Passenger or other Passengers or members of the crew, including, but not limited to. […] Passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content”, United Airlines’ contract of carriage states.
Not using headphones thus joins a list of 21 other safety issues that could lead to the removal of a passenger, including being barefoot, assault, and smoking. The airline also specifies that people who make the error to forget their headphones may request a free pair onboard, subject to availability.
According to travel expert Scott Keyes, United Airlines’ decision should be considered as a graceful way to tackle the issue.
“This is in line with how the vast majority of travellers 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”, Keyes said in an interview with CBS News.
While other airlines, including Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines, already encourage passengers to wear their headphones, United is the first to go as far as to state that those who don’t could be removed from their flight.
