In the United States, on February 27, 2026, United Airlines implemented a new policy requiring all passengers to use headphones while listening to audio or watching video content during their flights. This update was officially added to the airline's contract of carriage and reflects the airline's efforts to enhance in-flight etiquette and address ongoing complaints from travelers regarding noise disturbances caused by passengers who do not use headphones. The decision to enforce headphone usage was influenced by the increasing prevalence of personal electronic devices coupled with the expansion of Starlink, which promises improved in-flight connectivity. As travelers increasingly rely on digital content for entertainment during flights, the need for a formalized policy became more apparent. United Airlines clarified that while it has always encouraged headphone use, specifying it in the contract provides the airline's crew with the authority to enforce compliance with this policy effectively. Under the new rules, passengers who do not adhere to the headphone requirement could face removal from the aircraft, or in more severe cases, be banned from flying with United permanently. Furthermore, the airline stated that passengers removed from a flight for violating this policy might be eligible for a refund. This policy shift has also received various reactions from the public, including those who support increased adherence to in-flight manners alongside complaints regarding entitlement amongst certain passengers, especially parents traveling with children. United Airlines is now the first major airline in the United States to incorporate headphone use requirements into its legally binding policies. Other airlines, such as Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, have recommended similar etiquette onboard, even if their policies have not yet reached the level of enforcement seen with United's latest update. Overall, public sentiment suggests a shared interest in maintaining a more pleasant and considerate atmosphere aboard flights, reinforcing the idea that passengers should be mindful of those around them.