Overview
- United added a requirement on February 27 that passengers use headphones when listening to any audio or video onboard.
- The airline says noncompliant travelers can be removed before departure and could face temporary or permanent bans.
- A United spokesman said the change clarifies longstanding guidance that customers should use headphones for personal audio.
- The policy shift arrives as United expands Starlink high-speed Wi‑Fi, which makes in‑flight streaming more common.
- United is currently the only U.S. carrier to codify this rule in its contract, drawing largely positive reactions and questions about how it will be enforced once passengers are seated.