Airline passengers playing audio or video content without headphones now face potential removal from flights and travel bans under new enforcement measures introduced by major carrier.

Policy targets growing complaint about noise disturbances during flights, particularly as in-flight connectivity expands. Regulation was quietly added to carrier’s contract of carriage terms under ‘refusal to transport’ section late last month.

Passengers failing to use headphones while listening to electronic devices can now be ejected from flights, similar to consequences for assaulting staff or flying barefoot. Airline confirmed the policy change took effect on February 27 following expansion of high-speed internet access across fleet.

Spokesman of an airline told media that company has always encouraged headphone use but decided to formalise requirement as connectivity improvements allow more passengers to stream content during flights.

“With the expansion of Wi-Fi service, it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage”, airline representative said.

Free earbuds will be provided upon request for travellers who forget to pack headphones, according to airline website. Crew members have been instructed to distribute complimentary earphones to ensure all passengers can comply with new rule.

Travel expert Scott Keyes described the regulation as addressing behaviour of small minority.

“It’s usually only a small number of folks on airplanes who are making noise by not using headphones, so this is a graceful way to handle those folks”, Keyes told media.

Policy applies to all flights operated by United Airlines of the USA. Major American carrier confirmed change to New York Post and CBS News, making clear that enforcement will be consistent across global network.

Source: New York Post, CBS News