Let he who has never been disturbed by someone else's phone noise cast the first stone: a video here, a WhatsApp audio there, some music. On public transport, as on flights, the annoyance is even greater. One airline has decided to take action to solve the problem: the use of headphones is now mandatory on board its aircraft. The new rule comes from the American airline United Airlines. The travel contract has been updated by the company. Passengers who do not use headphones when listening to audio or video content may be refused boarding or removed from the aircraft. In 2023, a video went viral on social media in which an American Airlines pilot made a speech appealing to passengers to show respect for one another. 'This social experiment of listening to videos on speakerphone and talking on the phone on speakerphone is over, it's over for good in this country,' he stated. 'Nobody wants to hear your video. ... Use your AirPods, use headphones, whatever. That's on you,' he said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), cited by CNN International, highlights that more than 1,600 incidents of unruly passenger behaviour were recorded on flights in the US last year. Although the number is lower than the record of 5,973 in 2021, it still represents a level of disorderly conduct much higher than pre-pandemic levels. Other airlines do not have the rule in their travel contract, but make the recommendation. This is the case with Delta Air Lines, for example, which states on its website: 'For the comfort of everyone around you, please use headphones with any personal electronic device during the flight'. Travelling by plane? Find out how to avoid the worst seats. Flight delays: More than half of compensation claims were improperly rejected in 2024.