United Airlines updated its Contract of Carriage on February 27, 2026, requiring passengers to use headphones for audio or video content on personal devices or face removal from flights and potential permanent bans. The policy, formalized as Wi-Fi expands via Starlink, addresses disruptive 'barebeating' and has drawn supportive reactions from passengers and crew.
United Airlines, based in Chicago, revised its Contract of Carriage on February 27, 2026, adding a provision under Section 21, 'Refusal of Transport' (item 22). The rule states the airline may refuse transport—temporarily or permanently—to passengers who fail to use headphones while consuming audio or video on devices, including music, videos, or social media. Violators may also need to reimburse the airline for any losses.
Spokesperson comments to NBC Chicago, Gizmodo, and others explained that while headphone use was previously encouraged via Wi-Fi rules, Starlink's rollout—now on over 300 aircraft with 500 more planned by end-2026—prompted adding it to the contract. United is the first major U.S. airline with such a strict enforcement, per WSVN 7News. A company statement 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. With the expansion of Starlink, it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer."
The policy aligns with safety provisions passengers accept when booking, similar to rules against offensive clothing or in-flight calls. Travel expert Scott Keyes called it a 'graceful' approach for disruptive passengers. Free earbuds are available on flights, subject to availability. It applies fleet-wide, including routes like Paris Charles-de-Gaulle and seasonal Nice service.
Online reactions have been largely positive. A Reddit user said: "One would think this is common sense and airlines would have in their rules." A flight attendant added: "As a flight attendant; we have to tell people literally every flight. It makes our jobs harder when we’re stuck policing common courtesy instead of just focusing on service & safety." The measure targets complaints about 'barebeating,' a common flight annoyance, especially with children.
The update coincides with United's expansion at O'Hare International Airport, set for 750 daily summer flights.
