Flight attendants report the problem is common, often requiring reminders on nearly every flight. Enforcing the rule adds to crew responsibilities, which already include safety, customer service, and managing other in-flight issues. Adding the rule to the contract of carriage aims to reduce conflicts between passengers and staff.
Children using devices can also create challenges. Some parents note that very young children cannot comfortably wear headphones, but airline staff emphasize the rule applies to all passengers and devices regardless of age.
The updated policy reflects a broader effort to maintain calmer cabins as technology changes how passengers spend their time in the air. While some disruptive behaviors are hard to regulate, playing audio out loud is one that airlines can address directly.
For travelers, the takeaway is simple: if you plan to watch videos, listen to music, or play games during a flight, bring headphones—or risk facing consequences from crew enforcement.
