United Airlines quietly updated its “transportation agreement” by adding a clause for passengers who refuse to use headphones. So, it’s no longer just the disapproving looks of fellow passengers that can prevent a traveler from listening to their favorite music or watching TV shows loudly on a long-haul flight.
United Airlines will now block passengers who “do not use headphones while listening to or watching audio or video content,” according to the airline’s “transportation agreement” terms and conditions, which were recently updated.
“UA has the right to permanently deny transportation to any passenger involved in any of the activities mentioned in this rule,” the popular airline warns. However, according to United Airlines, passengers who are removed may be entitled to a refund if they request one.
If a passenger forgets their headphones, they can ask a flight attendant for a free pair.
“Don’t worry if you forget your headphones for your flight. “If available, you can request a pair of free headphones,” United Airlines states on its website.
Travel expert Scott Keyes called United Airlines’ new rule a “gentle way” to deal with those who refuse to wear headphones. “This is in line with the way the vast majority of travelers behave and would like others to behave,” Mr. Keyes told CBS News. “Typically, only a small number of people on planes cause noise because they don’t use headphones, so this is a gentle way to manage those people,” he added.
Other airlines have encouraged passengers to wear headphones, but have not taken such drastic measures.
“For the comfort of those around you, please use headphones on all your electronic devices during the flight,” Delta Air Lines states on its website.
On the same wavelength, Southwest Airlines states: “Headphones are required whenever a passenger is listening to any sound.”
However, according to Mr. Keyes, no other major US airline has gone as far as United Airlines in terms of using headphones.
