“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 by adding it to the contract of carriage.”
With better in-flight connectivity like Starlink, streaming videos and online content has never been easier — and louder.
Passengers and Crew Weigh In
Many travelers welcome the change. On Reddit, one user said:
“Imagine needing an airline to tell you to use headphones and have basic courtesy and respect for other people in public.”
Another argued that flight attendants shouldn’t have to police every noisy passenger:
“The ‘trash’ factor on my last few flights went way up. I’m happy UA will take responsibility rather than leaving it to me to complain.”
Flight attendants agree, saying loud devices are a constant headache:
“We have to tell people literally every flight. Policing common courtesy makes it harder to focus on service and safety.”
Parents, too, are being reminded that children aren’t exempt. Some flights have seen toddlers streaming video playlists out loud for hours, creating chaos and frustration for everyone nearby.
“We almost have to say this rule applies to all devices and guests of all ages. It’s a shame how parents think their children can do whatever they want,” shared one airline employee.
Your Thoughts?
With United stepping up enforcement, quiet flights could finally become the norm. But is removal too extreme? Should “barebeating” be treated as a serious offense or just a minor annoyance?
Share your thoughts below — have you ever been trapped next to a barebeating passenger? What should airlines do to keep flights peaceful?