United Airlines can now kick passengers off flights and ban them for not using headphones

United Airlines has introduced a new rule that could see passengers removed from flights if they refuse to use headphones while playing audio on personal devices.

The airline quietly updated its “Contract of Carriage” in 2026, adding the requirement under its “refusal of transport” section, the same policy area that outlines behaviors that can get passengers denied boarding or kicked off a flight.

Under the new wording, passengers who play audio or video content without headphones may be removed from the aircraft or even banned from flying with the airline in the future.

The rule targets a common in-flight annoyance: travelers blasting music, videos, or social media clips from their phones or tablets without headphones. United says the policy is meant to improve cabin comfort and reduce disruptive behavior.

The airline’s contract of carriage states that it can permanently refuse service to passengers who break certain rules. This includes those who ignore or interfere with flight crew instructions, assault airline employees, travel barefoot or improperly clothed, wear clothing considered lewd, obscene, or offensive, or appear intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.

United Airlines new rule can get passengers off flights

While airlines have long encouraged passengers to use headphones as a courtesy, United’s update makes it a legally enforceable rule. The policy change gives crew members explicit authority to take action if someone ignores requests to turn off loud audio.

The move also comes as United expands high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its fleet, making it easier for passengers to stream content during flights. With more people watching videos or scrolling social media in the air, the airline said it made sense to formalize the expectation that headphones must be used.

Passengers who forget their own headphones may still be able to ask flight attendants for a complimentary pair of wired earbuds, depending on availability.

United appears to be the first major US airline to include headphone use directly in its contract with passengers. Other airlines encourage the practice, but typically rely on etiquette guidelines rather than formal enforcement.

While the rule might sound strict, it essentially codifies something most travelers already expect: if you’re watching videos or listening to music on a flight, bring headphones or risk getting booted from the plane.

Throughout the years, there have been plenty of viral outbursts that have resulted in passengers getting kicked off planes.

In 2023, Tiffany Gomas went viral as the infamous ‘not real plane woman,’ where she accused another passenger of not being real.

Then last year, A Ryanair flight from Edinburgh to Spain, was delayed by two hours after a 21-year-old passenger was caught vaping in the aircraft bathroom, setting off the smoke alarm and prompting a full police response, where he was ultimately removed.

Sometimes, loud passengers can get off with just a warning. In one instance, gospel singer Bobbi Storm was threatened with getting kicked off her Delta flight after belting out her single, ‘We Can’t Forget Him.’