Anyone who has never been disturbed by the noise of someone else’s cell phone cast the first stone: a video here, an audio on WhatsApp there, a song. In transport, such as air travel, the inconvenience is even greater.
An airline decided to take a measure to solve the problem: the use of headphones became mandatory on aircraft. The new rule is from the American company United Airlines.
The travel contract has been updated by the company. “Passengers who do not use headphones when listening to audio or video content” they may even be refused boarding or removed from the aircraft.
In 2023, a video went viral on social media in which an American Airlines pilot gave a speech calling on passengers to show respect for each other. “This social experience of listening to videos on speakerphone and talking on your cell phone on speakerphone is over, it’s over for good in this country”he stated. “Nobody wants to listen to your video. … Use your AirPods, use headphones, whatever. That’s up to you,” he said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), cited by CNN International, highlights that more than 1,600 incidents of unruly passenger behavior on US flights last year. Although the number is smaller than the record of 5,973 in 2021, still represents a much higher level of disorderly conduct than before the pandemic.
Other companies do not have the rule in the travel contract, but make the recommendation. This is the case of Delta Air Lines, for example, where it says site. “For the comfort of everyone around you, please use headphones with any personal electronic devices during the flight”.
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