Outrage grows over lack of headphone use in US airports and planes

Facepalm: Many of us have been guilty of it – mindlessly streaming videos or taking calls sans headphones while waiting at an airport gate or on the plane itself. But that tendency is apparently driving fellow travelers crazy. Flight attendants are now even making pre-flight announcements pleading with passengers to use headphones, but the scourge of audio oversharing shows no signs of stopping.

The Wall Street Journal reported on the annoyance caused by some travelers in the United States not using headphones when performing activities they’re designed for. The problem has apparently grown so severe that people directly vented their frustrations to the publication.

One airline employee said that inconsiderate audio sharing happens on every flight. He added that while disapproving looks sometimes shame offenders into using headphones, that doesn’t always work.

Ady Beitler, 43, recounted how she got so “emotionally invested” after hearing both sides of a couple arguing over speakerphone as she waited at the airport that she was forced to move to another area.

Meanwhile, Brennan Smith, a 43-year-old who flies frequently for work, expressed bafflement at the lack of enforcement to the WSJ. He believes that airlines should put up signs and make announcements mandating the use of headphones.

Thankfully, some airlines are indeed heeding that advice. Staff on American and Alaska flights announce reminders about headphones, and Delta added a message about it on their in-flight entertainment system.

The lack of headphone etiquette isn’t limited to planes. The report points out that audible conversations and videos can be overheard in all public settings as audio sharers remain oblivious to their surroundings. Plus, it’s not like offenders are limited to a particular group – they come from all generations and economic backgrounds.

Some have tried creative methods for calling out offenders, like when Joe Rojas, a 40-year-old Bostonian, started watching along with a woman’s TV show until she put in headphones, though she gave him a dirty look.

As for why such behavior is on the rise, WSJ points to multiple potential reasons, including changing tech and social standards. Bundled wired headphones were once ubiquitous but have become scarce. Many oblivious speaker users in airports also prefer to reserve wireless headphone batteries for flights.

An analyst also theorized that we just watch a lot more video (obviously referring to the rise of short-video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels), which has led to a change in public behavior.

So, remember to use your headphones next time, or be prepared for glares and confrontations from your fellow passengers.

Image credit: Daniel McCullough, Lisanto