Listen up flyers: United Airlines said it will start removing passengers from flights who refuse to wear headphones while listening to content on their personal devices and such behavior could lead to a permanent ban.
The airline revised its contract of carriage on Feb. 27 to include the new provision, which sits under the « refusal of transport » section that outlines the instances in which United can boot its passengers from flights.
According to the document, United reserves the right to refuse transport — on a permanent basis — to any passenger who listens to their entertainment on speaker.
It also states that any passenger who causes United « any loss, damage or expense of any kind, » may be responsible for reimbursing the airline.
« 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. « With the expansion of Starlink, it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage. »
Passengers who forgot their headphones at home can request a free pair on their flight — if they’re available, according to United’s in-flight entertainment information.
The move inspired a strong reaction online.
« One would think this is common sense and airlines would have in their rules, » said one Reddit user. « Now let’s have the same rule for airline lounges. »
Others complained that this has become increasingly common on their flights, especially among those with small children.
« As a flight attendant; we have to tell people literally every flight, » another person said on Reddit. « It makes our jobs harder when we’re stuck policing common courtesy instead of just focusing on service & safety. »
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