Transportation Airline threatens to remove, ban passengers who don’t use headphones by Sophie Brams - 03/05/26 11:18 PM ET by Sophie Brams - 03/05/26 11:18 PM ET Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email NOW PLAYING Listening to music or watching a movie without headphones could now get you removed from a United Airlines flight and potentially permanently banned, according to the airline’s updated passenger guidelines. The airline’s “ Contract of Carriage ” rules were reportedly updated in late February to include passengers “who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content” to the list of reasons United is allowed to refuse service. The violation falls under a rule that allows the airline to remove a passenger if doing so “may be necessary for the safety” of the individual or others. The document states infractions under this section, which also includes disorderly conduct, improper clothing and other behaviors can result in temporary or permanent bans from 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 to NBC News . “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 airline announced last month that it had installed Starlink satellite internet service on more than 300 planes in its regional fleet to provide free in-flight Wi-Fi, and expected to have it on board 500 additional aircraft by the end of the year.   United passengers who forget their earbuds while traveling can request a complimentary pair on their flights. Many seatback screens are also equipped with Bluetooth so passengers are able to use wireless headphones. Add as preferred source on Google Tags Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Share ✕ LinkedIn LinkedIn Email Email More Transportation News See All International Thousands of flights canceled as Iran conflict causes travel chaos by Ashleigh Fields 3 days ago International  /  3 days ago