A prominent U.S. airline is now cautioning that passengers can be removed for engaging in “barebeating” – one of the most irritating habits during flights.
Frequent travelers have probably faced at least one nightmare passenger. There are those who cut in line at security (known as “gate lice”), individuals who ignore a crying child on a long journey, and the particularly rude ones who extend their feet into another person’s area between the seats.
Another behavior that has become increasingly notorious for causing complaints in the air is passengers playing music, videos, or games loudly on their phones.
This habit has even been given a nickname: “barebeating.” This term describes individuals who play audio directly from their devices without using headphones, making it impossible for those around them to avoid hearing it.
Although it may not be as shocking as some other in-flight behaviors, it can swiftly disrupt the peaceful atmosphere of the cabin.
‘Can lead to removal’
Currently, a prominent U.S. airline is making it known that such behavior will not be accepted.
United Airlines (UA) has discreetly revised its Refusal of Transport section, which details the circumstances under which the airline can “refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis,” or “have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point.”
The revised policy now identifies a new type of disruptive behavior that could result in removal: “Passengers who do not use headphones while enjoying audio or video content.”
This rule is listed alongside other infractions that may lead to removal, such as interfering with flight attendants, boarding while under the influence, or engaging in disruptive conduct.
By incorporating this rule into its official passenger policies, United empowers flight attendants to intervene when noise levels become disruptive.
Headphones required
In a statement shared by NBC News, UA mentioned that the expectation was already in place but chose to clarify it further.
“We’ve always encouraged customers to use headphones when listening to audio content – and our Wi-Fi rules already remind customers to use headphones,” United stated. “With the expansion of Starlink, it seemed like a good time to make that even clearer by adding it to the contract of carriage.”
Services like Starlink offer significantly enhanced connectivity in the air, enabling travelers to enjoy seamless online content.
‘Promoting common courtesy’
Responses online indicate that many passengers appreciate this update, asserting that using headphones in public areas should be a fundamental courtesy.
On Reddit, a user commented: “Can you believe that we need an airline to remind us to use headphones and to show basic courtesy and respect for others in public?”
Another user added, “It’s unfortunate that as a society, we even have to address this issue in the first place.”
A different commenter, who identified as a former “delta loyalist,” expressed that the problem has become so prevalent that they are contemplating changing airlines: “On my recent flights, the ‘trash’ factor has significantly increased. Perhaps I was just unlucky, but it shouldn’t be my responsibility to address this. I’m willing to, but I don’t want to risk being kicked off my flight. I’ll consider United for my next trip if they can take this burden off my shoulders.”
An airline staff member also shared their perspective on how often this issue arises during flights: “As a flight attendant, we have to remind passengers literally on every flight. It complicates our jobs when we have to enforce basic courtesy instead of concentrating on service and safety.”
Responsible parenting
Some other Reddit users pointed out that this issue frequently involves children watching videos without headphones, suggesting that parents should take greater responsibility.
One user recounted: “I was recently on a delta flight where a woman with a toddler kept loudly exclaiming ‘he’s just a baby, do you expect him to wear headphones?!’ repeatedly until the flight attendant left. The child watched the same video playlist for the entire two-hour flight.”
“Ugh. I took my toddler on a flight with my partner, and she managed just fine with headphones,” another user countered.
Another airline employee shared similar frustrations, stating, “We announce that headphones should be used while enjoying media. Yet, for some reason, people believe their children are exempt from this rule. Therefore, we often have to clarify that this rule applies to all devices and guests of every age. It’s disappointing how some parents think their children can do whatever they please.
What are your thoughts on United Airlines taking a stand against “barebeating”? Do you believe passengers should be asked to leave for playing audio loudly? Share this story and tell us what you think.
