United Airlines has revised its “Contract of Carriage” to now include a requirement for passengers to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content during flights. According to CBS News, the updated contract permits United to “refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis” to passengers who do not adhere to the rules, which now encompasses listening to audio without headphones. The policy also allows United to remove such passengers from the aircraft at any time.
United spokesperson Stella Balaskas confirmed the policy update to The Verge, saying it was updated on February 27th. She noted, “We’ve always encouraged customers to use headphones when listening to audio content, and our Wi-Fi rules already remind customers to use headphones.” Balaskas mentioned that the expansion of Starlink to United flights last year presented a timely occasion to reinforce the airline’s headphones requirement by adding it to its contract of carriage.
As stated on United’s website, passengers who lack headphones can request a free pair of earbuds, “if they’re available.”