NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
United Airlines has new headphone policy — and not following it could get you banned
The new United Airlines headphone policy falls under the "Refusal of Transport" section in the carriers "Contract of Carriage" document.
By Francie Swidler • Published March 4, 2026 • Updated on March 4, 2026 at 10:35 pm
Not using headphones for your phone or tablet could get you kicked off your next United Airlines flight, or worse — banned. NBC Chicago’s JC Navarrete reports.
Make sure to bring your headphones on your next United Airlines flight -- not using them with the volume turned up all the way on your phone or tablet could get you kicked off the plane, or even banned.
The Chicago-based airline quietly added the new policy in a Feb. 27 update to its "Contract of Carriage" document, which outlines terms and conditions the airline and passengers are expected to follow while traveling.
The new headphone policy falls under Rule 21, "Refusal of Transport," United Airlines confirmed.
"UA shall have the right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point, any Passenger for the following reasons," the rule states, before laying out a number of scenarios in which United can act to remove a traveler.
The latest addition comes at No. 22, titled "Passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content."
NBC Chicago traffic reporter Kye Martin says the rule means passengers must use headphones for any device audio, including music, videos and social media.
"Non-compliance of the rule can lead to removal from the flight and potential permanent bans," Martin said. If a passenger forgets their headphones, they could ask a flight attendant for a free pair, subject to availability.
A United Airlines spokesperson told NBC Chicago that the airline's Wi-Fi rules already remind customers to use headphones when listening to audio content.
"This policy is part of a broader crackdown on disruptive, inconsiderate behavior," Martin added. Last year, United announced it was changing the timeframe for when passengers would need to check into their flights by.
The change comes as the Federal Aviation Administration is set to hold a meeting to address overscheduling and "severe congestion" at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after both United and American Airlines expanded gates.
United expects its biggest summer yet at the airport, saying its schedule will be the largest flown by any airline operating there, the company said in a previous news release. The airline also said it is adding flights to at least eight destinations and anticipates it will will reach 750 flights per day this summer.
Update 07/27:
New York Post
United Airlines can now boot passengers for one of the most annoying airplane habits
By Aurielle Weiss
Published July 22, 2026, 2:59 p.m. ET
United Airlines just gave passengers a reason to scream.
The major airline quietly updated a noise policy that, before the change, had flyers nearly losing their minds. United told The Post that back in February, the company started enforcing headphones when listening to content on phones, tablets or anything that makes sound.
This means passengers are no longer able to blast TikTok or watch movies without the use of headphones. United’s Contract of Carriage — essentially a rules and policy handbook — was updated on February 27 to add the new “headphone language.”
“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 (a high-speed, satellite internet service from SpaceX), it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage,” the airline told The Post.
The rule now falls under the brand’s right to refuse section where the airline lists a slew of ways passengers can get the boot. Customers can check out the full list, but don’t miss the bottom of Rule 21 where you’ll find the update that states the brand will refuse guests “who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.”
Those who fail to follow the rule “on a permanent or temporary basis” will be removed from the plane at any point, the section reads. Putting the rule under the new section seems quite significant as it sits with other serious violations.
For example, the updated policy comes after harassment, disruptive, offensive or abusive conduct. It also follows intoxication, foreigners’ proof of vaccination, and folks carrying unauthorized weapons.
The switch is a real shift in cabin behavior, as what was once polite feedback from flight attendants is now a rule that could get passengers removed. The timeline of the revision lines up with the rollout of Starlink’s in-flight Wi-Fi on over 300 of its aircraft. An additional 500 aircraft will also be launched by the end of 2026.
United announced the milestone just days before the Super Bowl back in February, allowing customers the chance to watch live sports, play online games and more. It was especially popular just days ago as passengers were able to watch the World Cup live.
“We are focused on what we call ‘travel truths’ in our advertising, so with this spot we wanted to recognize 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,” said Maggie Schmerin, United’s Chief Advertising Officer, in a press release.
While the airline wants to be a leader in connectivity, the headphones policy proves United does not want to sacrifice on customer satisfaction. The company said in the press release, “it is all part of our commitment to bring this innovative service to our entire fleet.”
Because passengers are required to wear headphones, the airline will still pass them out during the flight for free. Also, many newer planes have seatback screens that are upgraded with Bluetooth so customers can connect with wireless headphones.
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