United Airlines has updated its in-flight policy to require passengers to use headphones when listening to audio from personal electronic devices, including phone calls, video calls, and social media feeds that emit sound. The change, announced in March, follows a new survey identifying passenger noise as the most frequent source of in-flight tension.
A poll of 2,500 U.S. adults conducted by travel site The Points Guy (TPG) and YouGov found that 40% of respondents support banning phone and video calls on planes, with 27% citing loud audio as the most annoying passenger behavior. The survey also revealed that 51% of adults believe it is acceptable for passengers to recline their seats, while only 10% said reclining is never acceptable.
United Airlines’ policy update aligns with these findings, granting flight attendants the authority to remove passengers who violate the headphone requirement. The airline may also impose future bans on repeat offenders.
Middle-seat disputes persist
The debate over armrest usage remains unresolved. TPG argues that middle-seat passengers should have priority access to both armrests due to limited space, but the survey found only 11% of respondents agree. The majority of travelers do not support an automatic claim to both armrests by middle-seat passengers.
Preboarding noise concerns
Noise complaints extend beyond in-flight cabins. TPG managing editor Becky Blaine noted that loud audio from personal devices is also a common issue in preboarding areas, affecting travelers across age groups. “You see kids on iPads, all the way up to older people on cellphones,” Blaine told CBS News.
United Airlines is not alone in addressing passenger behavior. The airline’s updated policy reflects broader industry sensitivity to noise-related complaints, though specific enforcement details vary by carrier. The survey underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing individual comfort with collective travel experiences.