United Airlines has updated its Refusal of Transport policy, allowing crew members to remove or deny boarding to passengers who play audio or video out loud without headphones. The behavior—sometimes referred to online as “barebeating”—has become a growing source of complaints from travelers who are forced to listen to other passengers’ devices during flights.
The airline says headphones have always been expected, but the rule is now clearly written into the policy as more passengers stream content using in-flight internet services like Starlink. Flight crews say the issue is common and often requires reminders during flights. Under the updated policy, passengers who refuse to stop playing loud audio may be removed from the plane or denied transport, as airlines work to maintain a quieter and more comfortable cabin environment.
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