United Airlines has updated its passenger code of conduct to ban travelers who refuse to use headphones when listening to audio or video content on devices. The rule, added on February 27, is part of the airline's Contract of Carriage, specifically under Rule 21 in the 'right to refuse' section.
Previously, flight attendants could only ask passengers to turn off sound or scold them, but could not enforce the rule. Now, the airline can refuse boarding or remove passengers who fail to use headphones, and the ban may be permanent or temporary.
New Headphone Language in Contract of Carriage
The update appears in a section listing prohibited behaviors such as harassment, disruptive conduct, intoxication, and carrying unauthorized weapons. The airline stated to the New York Post: “We’ve always encouraged customers to use headphones when listening to audio content – and our Wi-Fi rules already remind customers to use headphones. With the expansion of Starlink, it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage.”
The policy coincides with United's rollout of Starlink in-flight Wi-Fi on over 300 aircraft, with an additional 500 planes expected by the end of 2026. The service allows passengers to stream events like the Super Bowl and the FIFA 2026 World Cup.
United's Chief Advertising Officer Maggie Schmerin said in a press release: “We are focused on what we call ‘travel truths’ in our advertising, so with this spot we wanted to recognise the truly giant leap Starlink Wi-Fi represents for our customers and what is now possible. Starlink is transforming the inflight experience on United planes with reliable connectivity that enables everything from productivity to streaming the biggest football game of the season.”
Free Headphones and Bluetooth Upgrades
Despite the stricter rule, the airline will still distribute headphones for free during flights. Many newer planes have seat-back screens upgraded with Bluetooth, allowing passengers to use wireless headphones. The company said in its press release that “it is all part of our commitment to bring this innovative service to our entire fleet.”
