United puts a sacrosanct rule on the books: those who watch videos without headphones risk being brought down

There are civilizational battles that seem small, but for those who fly they are often worth almost as much as an upgrade. And recently those who follow me on social media know very well that I have one in particular.

And finally an airline has decided to write a rule that many passengers have dreamed of for years: If you listen to audio or watch video without headphones, you may be removed from the flight.

Making this move was United Airlines, which has updated its Contract of Carriage (the contract of carriage) by explicitly including among the reasons why it may refuse/terminate carriage the Passengers not using headphones while listening to audio or video content. The change results in the revised contract update on the February 27, 2026.

Yes, you read it right: it is no longer just "good manners"

Until yesterday, for many airlines it was an unwritten rule, a common sense request, a recommendation made by the crew when someone decided to turn the cabin into their living room. Now, at least with United, there is precise wording: Those who do not use headphones for audio/video may end up in the "Safety" section of causes that may lead to refusal of transportation. In other words: it is not only annoying, it can become a formal problem.

And as a frequent flyer (and author of thelist of passengers I can't stand on board), I have to make that clear: it's about time.

A victory for all those who can't stand "free audio" in the booth

Those who follow TFC know that among the passengers who raise my blood pressure the most are them: Those who watch reels, TikTok, series or games without headphones, convinced that everything else on the plane should participate in the sound experience. The point is not to be a rule Taliban: the point is that in an airplane you are traveling in a shared space. And in a shared space, the difference between civilized coexistence and chaos often comes down to very simple details: low volume, headphones, respect for others.

United has done a very smart thing: it has Turned a netiquette rule into a contractual rule. And when a rule enters the contract, it becomes much easier for the crew to enforce it.

Now my hope is only one: copy them. All of them.

The hope, of course, is that does not remain an isolated case and for other carriers - American, European, Asian - to follow suit. Because the truth is that this is not just a headset issue: it is a signal. It is the message the company is telling passengers: the cabin is a shared space, and mutual respect matters.

And while we're at it, while we're on the subject, I would also have a suggestion for the next contract updates: let's also start taking seriously the other passengers I can't stand, including the great classics of rudeness on board.

Those who put their feet on the bulkheads, those who turn the armrest into private property, those who recline without looking, those who yell instead of talking.

Because then it only takes a moment to go from simple incivility to real tension, as we have also recounted in the cases of rudeness and fights on board. And at that point it is no longer just "annoyance"-it becomes a problem for everyone, including the crew.

One small rule, one big step

Maybe it won't change the world of aviation. Maybe nuisance passengers won't suddenly disappear. But it is one of those decisions that sends a clear message: Flying doesn't mean doing whatever you want, especially when you are surrounded by 150, 250 or 400 other people.

And if I'm honest, as someone who has a personal ranking of insufferable passengers, seeing a major like United take a stand on this issue makes me genuinely happy.

Now we wait for the next step. I already have the list ready.