Attention passengers!
You’ll want to listen up for United Airline’s newest rule, just make sure your headphones are on, first.
Otherwise? You might be hanging out in JFK instead of cruising toward your destination.
On Friday, March 7, United Airlines updated its Contract of Carriage, the official document that outlines the rules and expectations for passengers traveling with the airline.
🎧 United Airlines’ New Audio Rules
Among the updates is a one about something many travelers already consider basic flight etiquette: using headphones when listening to audio or watching video content.
In Section 20, titled “Refusal of Transport,” the airline now states that it “shall have the right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point” if a passenger fails to follow certain rules—including “passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.”
For travelers coming from our favorite city, this rule may feel pretty familiar.
In a place where most people rarely leave home without their trusty “emotional support” headphones, keeping your audio to yourself is already second nature. Whether you’re commuting on the subway, walking through the city, or waiting at the gate, headphones are as part of the uniform as a black puffer jacket.
But don’t worry if you happen to forget your headphones—that doesn’t mean your flight will be completely silent or without your favorite music. In its in-flight entertainment FAQ, United Airlines reassures travelers that help may still be available.
The airline notes:
Don’t worry if you forget your headphones for your flight. If they’re available, you can request free earbuds.
So if you’re headed into New York, make sure you headphone-up while playing Welcome To New York as you land.
And weather you’re coming or going into our favorite city, make sure you plug in (or more realistically, bluetooth up) those earbuds to make sure everything runs smoothly.
Happy listening and happy travels, to and from NYC and beyond! ✈️🎧