United Airlines has quietly updated its “contract of carriage,” adding a clause for passengers who refuse to use headphones.
It’s no longer just the power of the stink eye from fellow travelers that may stop a passenger from blasting their favorite music or TV shows on an hours-long flight. United Airlines will now boot passengers who “fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content,” according to its terms and conditions updated Friday.
“UA has the right to refuse transport, on a permanent basis, any passenger who engages in any of the activities in this Rule,” the popular airline warned. But any removed passengers may be eligible for a refund if they ask for one, United Airlines said.
The Independent has reached out to United Airlines for comment.
If a passenger forgets their headphones they may ask a flight attendant for a free pair.
“Don’t worry if you forget your headphones for your flight. If they’re available, you can request free earbuds,” United Airlines writes on its website.
Travel expert Scott Keyes called United Airlines’ new rule a “graceful way” to handle those who refuse to wear headphones.
“This is in line with how the vast majority of travelers comport themselves and would like others to comport themselves,” Keyes told CBS News. “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.”
Other airlines have encouraged passengers to wear headphones.
“For the comfort of everyone around you, please use earbuds or headphones with any personal electronic device during your flight,” Delta Air Lines writes on its website.
Southwest Airlines said on its website, “Headphones are required whenever a Passenger is listening to any audio.”
But Keyes said he’s not aware of any other major U.S. carrier that has gone as far as United Airlines with headphone usage.
