A major U.S. airline is warning passengers they could be removed from flights for “barebeating” — playing music, videos, or games out loud on their phones without headphones.
United Airlines has updated its Refusal of Transport policy, stating that passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content may be removed from the aircraft. The rule now appears alongside other disruptive behaviors such as interfering with crew members or boarding while intoxicated.
The airline said headphones were already expected but decided to make the rule explicit, especially as improved onboard Wi-Fi like Starlink allows passengers to stream more content during flights.
Many travelers online welcomed the change, saying using headphones in public should already be basic courtesy. Flight attendants also noted they frequently have to remind passengers — including parents whose children watch videos out loud — to keep audio private.