United Adds Headphone Rule Linked to Starlink Wi‑Fi Expansion
United Airlines updated its Contract of Carriage on Feb. 27, 2026 to add a rule that passengers who refuse to wear headphones while listening to audio or video content can be denied boarding. The change comes as Starlink-based Wi‑Fi is being rolled out to more than 300 aircraft (with 500 more planned by end of 2026). NBC 5 Chicago first reported the update, and United said headphones have always been encouraged and that the policy expansion clarifies existing Wi‑Fi rules. The airline lists 22 safety-related reasons that could lead to removal from a flight, with refusing to wear headphones now included among them. If you forget headphones, you may be able to borrow a pair from a flight attendant.