Infuriating: People Not Using Headphones On Planes & In Airports

Infuriating: People Not Using Headphones On Planes & In Airports

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Perhaps this is more of a “big picture” life question than something specific to airports and airplanes. Heck, maybe I just need to see a therapist and figure out why this gets on my nerves so much. I figure I’m not alone, though, so I’m curious how the OMAAT community feels about this…

Frustration with people not using headphones in public

For some reason, a surprising number of people think it’s appropriate to do various activities without headphones in public — this includes video calls, playing video games, watching TV shows, or even blasting music.

Frankly I don’t get it. At all. I don’t expect the whole world to be like Japan, but how is it that people think this is appropriate? It’s bad enough to do this in public or in a terminal, but it’s even worse to do it on a plane (which is a confined space where you can’t leave) or an airport lounge (which is supposed to be a place to get away from the hustle-and-bustle of the terminal).

While the noise is frustrating enough as is, I think what really gets to me is how selfish it comes across. What goes through someone’s mind when they watch TV clips on their phone at full volume without headphones? As someone who lives in Miami, I find this to be much more of an issue when flying to & from here than in most other markets. It’s almost just an accepted practice.

Please use headphones when on a plane!

Some examples from today…

Let me share a few examples of what I’m talking about from today, all of which took place before 7AM. While waiting to enter the Amex Centurion Lounge Miami, there was someone else waiting to enter who was sitting on his bag and listening to Cardi B’s “WAP” without headphones. I have absolutely nothing against the music as such, but without headphones?!

Then once in the lounge, I sat near someone who was conducting a video call without headphones, so I promptly moved.

Once onboard my flight, the guy seated next to me started watching videos of soccer game highlights. Since it was in Spanish, I got to hear that 30-second “GOAAAAAAAAL” being yelled constantly. Then after takeoff, someone a couple of rows from me started playing some sort of a shooting video game without headphones (or at least I assume that’s what it was, based on the sound).

Is this just most commonly a Miami thing?!

How do you handle these situations?

I’m curious how y’all feel about this. Am I off base for finding not using headphones in public to be terribly inappropriate, or am I in the minority and need to get over myself?

Some might say “well just put on a pair of noise canceling headphones.” Practically speaking, that doesn’t work all that well. Noise canceling headphones typically do a great job canceling out consistent noises (like the sound of aircraft engines), while they don’t do a great job canceling out other audio, like people talking, music, etc.

If you’re as annoyed by this stuff as I am, what’s the correct way to deal with it? I’m a much more passive person than I used to be. I avoid conflicts at almost any cost, because I’m just damn tired and don’t think they’re worth it. But I also hate myself for not saying anything, if that makes sense.

So what’s the correct thing to do ?

  • Not say anything, and just deal with it? That’s what I’ve been doing, but I’m also irked, so…
  • Say something directly to the person? This would be the most satisfying, but is also most likely to lead to a confrontation, which I’m looking to avoid
  • Bring it to the attention of the flight attendant and lounge staff? I hate putting them in an uncomfortable situation, and sometimes it can be hard to handle this subtly
  • Buy headphones in bulk, and passive aggressively hand them out as needed? This actually seems sorta fun and productive 😉
  • Take the “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em” approach, and simply blast something louder than the person who is being annoying, to prove a point? I can’t decide whether this would work well or lead to a bad situation

I recognize I’m probably not going to be able to change the world and get people to stop being so selfish. However, it feels good to at least be able to talk about it, in hopes of me not being alone in feeling this way.

What’s the correct way to deal with headphone issues?

Bottom line

For whatever reason, some people seem to think it’s totally acceptable to blast their phone calls, TV shows, music, and video games, for everyone on an airplane and in an airport to hear. The public at large not being terribly considerate of others is nothing new, so I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised. But somehow this still really irks me…

Anyone else as annoyed by this practice as I am? If so, how do you deal with it, if at all?

Conversations (218)
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  1. Matt Brewster Guest

    You are absolutely not alone in your feelings about this. I am also completely bewildered by people who think it's okay to not use headphones in public. It is categorically inappropriate and disrespectful to everyone around them.

  2. oscar Guest

    I am always tempted to play "my late Führers" Reichsparteitag Speeches on speaker phone, LOUD right next to them....
    unfortunately was never drunk or angry enough to actually do it....

  3. Orkhan Huseynli Guest

    Happened to me yesterday. FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Krabi - small 737 for 6.5 hour flight. The entire row behind us (A,B,C,D,E,F) was taken by a group of late teens/early 20s Emirati lads. They spent the first 2.5 hours and the last 1.5 hours of the flight jumping around, up and down, changing seats, video calls without headphones, movies in arabic - very loud without headphones, shouting at each other in "conversation" and pulling/pushing...

    Happened to me yesterday. FlyDubai flight from Dubai to Krabi - small 737 for 6.5 hour flight. The entire row behind us (A,B,C,D,E,F) was taken by a group of late teens/early 20s Emirati lads. They spent the first 2.5 hours and the last 1.5 hours of the flight jumping around, up and down, changing seats, video calls without headphones, movies in arabic - very loud without headphones, shouting at each other in "conversation" and pulling/pushing the backs of our chairs.

    The cabin crew did nothing. Budget airline, and probably scared to confont "locals"

    I found myself getting angrier and angrier....telling my wife I was getting angry and going to say something....and then eventually did.

    "Excuse me guys, We are all on this flight together, but all I can hear is you guys and your videos. Even I am wearing headphones, I can only hear what you are playing. Would you mind turning the volume down?"

    I got a few "I am sorry brother" and to their credit, the volume was turned down. The noise started again about 1.5 hours before landing - and the dirty look I gave was clearly registered, as they offered me the use of their fancy apple headphones (that they had all along and clearly just didnt want to use).

    I finished the flight with a mixed feeling of continued resentment, but also tinged with a bit of "is it me?" self questioning....am I just the intolerent boring old man?! :)

  4. D K Guest

    I couldn't agree with you more. The problem with confrontation is that if you need to confront the individual who is being rude and inconsiderate and selfish,then you won't get through o them. Your either wired poorly or correctly. If your an A.. hole then confrontation won't help unfortunately. It's sad. The human race is becoming a disgrace.

  5. Chriscuit Guest

    I'd love to do a flash mob for this - as soon as someone starts playing music, video games or videocall without headphones, the entire mob all play exactly the same song (preferably something really annoying) at the same time and at full volume.

  6. KevinMcfree Guest

    It's the same in the UK which is why I no longer commute. I'd get into an argument almost every day after politely asking some to either keep their voice down or use headphones while on the train. I did however sit next to one of these people and preceded to have a very loud conversation on my phone, inches from their face whilst looking them in the eye. They got the message but I...

    It's the same in the UK which is why I no longer commute. I'd get into an argument almost every day after politely asking some to either keep their voice down or use headphones while on the train. I did however sit next to one of these people and preceded to have a very loud conversation on my phone, inches from their face whilst looking them in the eye. They got the message but I must have looked like a crazy man. People won't change unless the law forces them to. And the law won't change unless we do something about it or someone goes all "Falling Down" on them

  7. Tatis Guest

    I am so irritated by it too, that I think I need to talk with therapist about it. In Sweden mostly teenagers do it.

  8. Lauren Varga Guest

    As a flight attendant for a major carrier, this is my biggest pet peeve.

    Buying headphones won’t help as most people have iPhones and forget their wireless headphones. I carry headphones with me and run into this problem all the time. I keep praying iphone will come back out with a model that has the Jack but they won’t for fear of AirPods sinking.

    I personally make an announcement every flight: “ if...

    As a flight attendant for a major carrier, this is my biggest pet peeve.

    Buying headphones won’t help as most people have iPhones and forget their wireless headphones. I carry headphones with me and run into this problem all the time. I keep praying iphone will come back out with a model that has the Jack but they won’t for fear of AirPods sinking.

    I personally make an announcement every flight: “ if you have a device that makes any kind of noise, the volume needs to be on 0 or you need to use headphones; this includes small children.” Without fail, I still have to tell people after making the announcement.

    Yes, Miami flights do tend to be the worst with this. And I don’t think it’s usually Miami people as much as people visiting Miami or connecting.

    Yes, just tell flight crew; I kind of enjoy bringing to someone’s attention that no one wants to listen to their ____. but what do in a lounge or other parts of the airport or life? I have asked someone when I wasn’t in uniform or on a plane and they were confrontational. I just keep hoping someone will make a viral tik tok about how rude this is. The selfishness is out of control. People don’t understand how to respect others in a shared space.

  9. Hong Konger Guest

    Wait till you transit through Manila. It's a karaoke party at the gates over there.

  10. mel Guest

    We had this happen on a recent vacation - it was awful...just how many entitled people thought it was okay to blare stuff on their phones to everyone around them. Then on the flight home, we had a toddler in front of us who was so obnoxious and the aunt/uncle sitting with her did nothing to correct her behavior. Her parents were sitting behind us and again, did nothing. They were enjoying their flight just...

    We had this happen on a recent vacation - it was awful...just how many entitled people thought it was okay to blare stuff on their phones to everyone around them. Then on the flight home, we had a toddler in front of us who was so obnoxious and the aunt/uncle sitting with her did nothing to correct her behavior. Her parents were sitting behind us and again, did nothing. They were enjoying their flight just fine, not having to be worrying about their kid. I understand that it can be hard to fly with a toddler and they get antsy...this was something very, very different. And this was in first class. We pay extra for first class to have a quieter experience, since I'm terrified of flying. This was anything but. There seems to be this change everywhere, where nobody is considerate of their surroundings anymore. I don't understand it.

  11. Paul Guest

    On my last two AA flights there has been an announcement about enforcing a “Quiet Cabin” policy and telling pax that they have to use headphones with any devices that make noise.

  12. Greg Guest

    I don't have time to scan over 200 comments, so I will just tell you what I would do: You can still approach the deviant passenger but instead of standing tall and looking down at them confrontationally, consider bending down on one knee and looking up at them when asking them to be more respectful. It usually works.

  13. Flyfly Guest

    As someone who both lives in Japan and works in an airplane, I am glad you brought this up. I will give my opinion on this matter from a cultual perspective growing up as an American. I find that Western culture, outside of the entitlement factor, for whatever reason like to be center of attention, and "share" their music, videos, phone calls with those around them, sometimes even as a power move (like a lawter...

    As someone who both lives in Japan and works in an airplane, I am glad you brought this up. I will give my opinion on this matter from a cultual perspective growing up as an American. I find that Western culture, outside of the entitlement factor, for whatever reason like to be center of attention, and "share" their music, videos, phone calls with those around them, sometimes even as a power move (like a lawter making an "important" phone call about a high profile case whilst name dropping).

    A fantastic example would be an incident that took place upon gate arrival at Narita. As we are waiting to deplane, a Western man decided it would be appropriate to blast his mm... "arrival" or "theme" music for his visit to Japan. Everyone in that section immediately stared daggers at him until he shut it off, after which he mumbled to his friend something along the lines of, "I guess nobody likes (artist name)".

    If you are reading this, and experience this type of inconsiderate behaviour, please, I cannot stress enough, please please please let a crew member know or member of the ground staff know what is going on so that we may caution the individual in question.

    Now, if you are one of those who likes to "share" your music and so forth with those around you, please stop. Not everyone may like what you are listening to or watching, and may not wish to be subjected to that. We don't want to hear your conversations, we dont want to hear your music, and we wish not want to listen to video game or movie noises. If you can afford to fly, you can afford to run over to the CircleK on your way to airport and pick up a pair of cheap earphones.

    1. Greg Guest

      Does the same applY to elevator rides too? I hope so!

  14. Adam Guest

    Just piling on to say yes, this is gobsmackingly selfish and rude behavior.

    1. Rin Guest

      This bad behavior is a huge pet peeve of mine. I get so angry quickly because I cannot fathom how insanely entitled one would have to be to think listening to stuff out loud in public spaces is okay. It's getting worse and I'm so sick of it.

      Just today I was at a sit down restaurant and an adult woman was watching a TV show on her propped up phone, speaker all the way...

      This bad behavior is a huge pet peeve of mine. I get so angry quickly because I cannot fathom how insanely entitled one would have to be to think listening to stuff out loud in public spaces is okay. It's getting worse and I'm so sick of it.

      Just today I was at a sit down restaurant and an adult woman was watching a TV show on her propped up phone, speaker all the way up loudly, at the table. I could clearly hear it from the table behind hers. My most recent flight several kids from different families were listening to their phone s out loud playing music during the flight and on landing! WTF. People need to be better and teach kids better because it is not acceptable to be so @#$&ing rude. I'm afraid I'm going to blow up and scream at someone one day about this rudeness because I'm so sick of these entitled people getting away with it.

  15. Jeremy Guest

    Savages. Selfish awful behavior. This also drives me crazy because of just how selfish it is. I can’t believe anyone thinks it’s acceptable to make any phone driven noise in public without headphones. I always call people out when this happens or at bare minimum ask for staff assistance.

  16. Erika Guest

    THis is also one of my biggest pet peeves. I often ask the person to please put on headphones.

  17. Frantastic Guest

    This wd happen on a bus commuting from Redmond to Seattle from msft. 2 things. People having a whole conversation on their phone after a long week n loud music. I expect this in dt Seattle, but I wd say something. Asking the flight attendant wd be a good idea but say something 1st. I suppose being a man (think u r) u have to be aware of not looking white entitled but believe me...

    This wd happen on a bus commuting from Redmond to Seattle from msft. 2 things. People having a whole conversation on their phone after a long week n loud music. I expect this in dt Seattle, but I wd say something. Asking the flight attendant wd be a good idea but say something 1st. I suppose being a man (think u r) u have to be aware of not looking white entitled but believe me others r wanting u or someone to say STFU please. People. Stop doing this. Pay $2 for headphones altho most phones don't have Jack's now. If it's a game put it on mute.

  18. Tim Guest

    I agree. I was on a flight recently where one of the cabin crew made an announcement to the effect of “Please use headphones, no loud sounds” during the preflight.

  19. Bryan S Guest

    Hi Ben...FaceTime has made this worse. People do not realize that phones/tablets sounds travel differently/further- and that others hear their conversations.

    I have asked people if they need or forgot their headphones, holding up a spare pair...they usually solves the issue.

    In the lounge I have asked attendants to help out (JFK Emirates lounge, guy with his sub-tern son felt it was appropriate to walk around lounge on speakerphone on business call). And on...

    Hi Ben...FaceTime has made this worse. People do not realize that phones/tablets sounds travel differently/further- and that others hear their conversations.

    I have asked people if they need or forgot their headphones, holding up a spare pair...they usually solves the issue.

    In the lounge I have asked attendants to help out (JFK Emirates lounge, guy with his sub-tern son felt it was appropriate to walk around lounge on speakerphone on business call). And on the plane I do ask attendants to assist if necessary. I have also photbombed facetimers, they suddenly realize they are in pubic and everyone else sees and hears them.

    Now I will also admit I was a culprit...I had my headphones on but forgot to connect BT so sound came out of tablet for a bit, and was reminded and chided by my wife.

  20. Judith Hellerstein Guest

    I always tell people to use a headphone. They say oh you can hear it and I say yes and sometimes they do and other times they just lower the volume. I think it is incredibly rude. I once was wearing headphone but did not realize they were not all the way in and others heard my show and so I was embarrassed and glad some one said something to me. You have to call people out on these things as otherwise they do not change. I have never had an issue with this.

  21. Marie Buckley Guest

    I do not want to listen to anyone’s anything. People need to have consideration of people around them. Please keep it all to yourself.

  22. Damon Guest

    It seems to be the new generation thinking that the world revolves around them. Unfortunately, respect for others seems to be quickly eroding. It seems that people in this day and age all think they are the most interesting people in the world, they are starved for attention. I blame social media for corrupting the minds of people. They think that because someone "likes" their post, that makes them matter (please think about how absurd...

    It seems to be the new generation thinking that the world revolves around them. Unfortunately, respect for others seems to be quickly eroding. It seems that people in this day and age all think they are the most interesting people in the world, they are starved for attention. I blame social media for corrupting the minds of people. They think that because someone "likes" their post, that makes them matter (please think about how absurd that is). People need to get off their social media and try and make actual friends and learn how to act in society. Sorry, I kinda went off on a rant.
    To answer your question... Grab their device and break it in half

  23. Yai Guest

    Welcome.to united hood of states. Whole country has become a dumpster. Even pilot been behaving badly and unprofessionally milking airline with little intention to flew wasting their time to get times out with engine on. The nation of gimme gimme gimme more and me first is going to bust

  24. JS Guest

    All the comments thus far are overwhelmingly in agreement with Lucky and it seems that this type of behavior generally bothers everyone. Unfortunately, we must not be the target audience for this post. How do we get this message to the noise offenders??

  25. efembe123 Guest

    Other people's noise drives me insane, especially when it's completely unnecessary. I dont want to hear the damn Twitter Twit every 5 seconds or Msg. return beeps. Turn the wretched sound off.

  26. Ivan X Guest

    Here is the correct way deal with it: you hold your head in your hands, sigh, resignedly mark another mental notch in your disappointment by humanity, and look forward to the sweet release of eventual death.

  27. Roundtree Member

    Agree 100%! Given how many of us hate this, I wonder if airlines should start making an announcement telling people to use headsets. Theatres make announcements to turn off the cell phones and that generally works.

    1. Tim Guest

      I actually experienced this on a recent flight. It was either Southwest or AA. I don’t recall any disturbing sounds so it may have worked.

  28. Dave Guest

    Just another example of how people are getting more and more inconsiderate as well as just plain old entitled.

  29. Ross Kennedy Guest

    Just imagine the chaos when free Wi-Fi is rolled out. Remember the peace and quiet when the doors closed and that was it, peace and quiet.

    1. Sergio Díaz Guest

      And even without wifi, data plans are more affordable than ever.

  30. Adrian Guest

    I share your dislike of this selfish and increasingly common practice, and would never inflict my music, broadcast or communications choices on other people. Hard to know how best to respond, though, for the reasons you cite. My only practical contribution is to recall a flight from LAX to LHR some years ago, when a certain coffee-loving actor and his wife were in the BA F cabin with their little ones, who they feared might...

    I share your dislike of this selfish and increasingly common practice, and would never inflict my music, broadcast or communications choices on other people. Hard to know how best to respond, though, for the reasons you cite. My only practical contribution is to recall a flight from LAX to LHR some years ago, when a certain coffee-loving actor and his wife were in the BA F cabin with their little ones, who they feared might be the source of distracting noise during the flight. They very sweetly presented a pair of Bose noise cancelling headphones to each of the other passengers before takeoff (I still have and use mine) as a gift, asking each of us to raise any issues we might have regarding their children's behaviour with them at any time during the flight. Clearly, our travelling companions were aware of the limitations of the BA headphones! As it turns out, the children were charming and extremely well-behaved, but their parents' generosity quickly dispelled any toddler-related anxiety, and created a lovely atmosphere between the passengers. Sheer class. I recommend Lucky follows this example in future, when travelling 'en famille!'

  31. Jean Guest

    I Hate it. People have no respect. I was on Qatar Airways business class and the guy next to me starts watching video without headphones. People have no clue. I complained to the flight attendant and she took care of it.

  32. Andy Guest

    It's incredibly irritating. Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but I swear even a few years ago this was not nearly as common an occurrence. Had a 9-hour flight to Amsterdam last summer and the guy in the row behind me was doing Italian lessons on Duolingo for legitimately hours with full sound. Like WTF?

  33. Vistaro Guest

    Drives me up the wall but it seems indicative of todays society where few have any respect for others and they simply don’t care if their actions disturb others.

  34. JK Guest

    I TOTALLY agree.

    I usually ask (nicely) the offending party consider the affect their behavior is having an others and to stop what they are doing. While a small percentage of offenders comply most just glare at me and continue. This is one of the reasons I have come to dislike traveling. . Its annoying, rude and intrusive . Airlines should prohibit this behavior.

  35. Meredith Guest

    On a Thai Airways business class flight the other day, a Chinese passenger had her kid's iPad at full volume, no headphones. She was seated at the back row and I was at the front, on the other side. Could hear the audio clearly - an English lesson game, some bits in Mandarin, then English, plus chiming sounds. What made her think that was acceptable is beyond me. There were other passengers with kids and...

    On a Thai Airways business class flight the other day, a Chinese passenger had her kid's iPad at full volume, no headphones. She was seated at the back row and I was at the front, on the other side. Could hear the audio clearly - an English lesson game, some bits in Mandarin, then English, plus chiming sounds. What made her think that was acceptable is beyond me. There were other passengers with kids and those kids were quietly absorbed in the IFE, with headphones. I asked the crew to speak to her, and thankfully the woman turned it off or discovered her headphones.
    A few days later, in the Singapore Airlines lounge in Changi, crowded as all hell due to the evening flight rush, and a woman is watching a TV drama at full volume. Screaming, so much screaming. A very dramatic programme. I asked her if she had headphones and she magically found hers.
    I can't be passive. I too have paid for the ticket, I'm quiet and don't bother anyone else, and expect a greater level of calm when in business class.

  36. Malc Diamond

    Yes, I find this infuriating. It's very common here in the Middle East to have a phone on speaker instead of holding it to your ear. Very often, it seems to happen with visitors from the Indian subcontinent. I usually say something because the perpetrator is usually completely unaware there's an issue. It never in a million years occurs to them that it might be disturbing someone.

  37. Zu Guest

    Indeed,.. I empathize your predicament.., absolutely.

  38. iamhere Guest

    It depends on the situation. If the person sitting next to me did this I would politely say something because it would be a long time of being "together" or nearby, but if the situation is just for a few minutes, such as before the lounge opens then I do not really care. I try not to intentionally comment handle situations like this. People have become very self concerned and lack basic awareness of others.

  39. Deebo Guest

    I give a stare …a hard stare …a REAL HARD STARE… and that normally works …

  40. NathanJ Diamond

    As a bus driver, I pull over at the next stop, open all the doors, turn the ignition and battery completely off and enjoy the DEAD SILENCE, except for the offender’s blaring phone. When all heads invariably turn to look, grimace & shake their heads at the only offending sound, it stops. If it starts again, I rinse and repeat. Done. #cruelbutfair

  41. Sean Guest

    The way I see it if someone is having a phone or video call on speaker volume without headphones then they're just inviting everyone around them to join in the conversation. And so I do.

  42. AdrienH Guest

    Couldn’t agree more Ben, I just don’t get it why people think it’s OK to “share” their conversations/video calls with the whole world?? I usually start by giving them my irritated face and then ask them to use headphones. Doesn’t always work but at least gives me the feeling I did something and for sure I kind of irritated back the person in question

  43. ChadMC Guest

    Gets on my nerves as well. It’s selfish of others. They care nothing about anyone and have no sense of decency. Classless trash. Unfortunately it’s very common. Had that happen in the executive lounge at the Hilton in Berlin. A couple of guys from I think from Poland were blasting a phone and didn’t even contemplate that it was rude and inconsiderate.

    I have no clue how to fix this inconsiderate behavior. It’s sad....

    Gets on my nerves as well. It’s selfish of others. They care nothing about anyone and have no sense of decency. Classless trash. Unfortunately it’s very common. Had that happen in the executive lounge at the Hilton in Berlin. A couple of guys from I think from Poland were blasting a phone and didn’t even contemplate that it was rude and inconsiderate.

    I have no clue how to fix this inconsiderate behavior. It’s sad. Not much different than parents who let kids kids scream uncontrollably and just ignore them.

  44. Trish Guest

    You are not alone. This infuriates me! I travel alot for work and at least in the airport you can walk away...I usually still say something rude..
    But....On the Airplane..nope...no way. I have done both. I have said something directly to the person and I have politely asked the flight attendants to handle it. They usually do. And fairly promptly. The same in the airline lounges. I watched an attendant once tell a guy...

    You are not alone. This infuriates me! I travel alot for work and at least in the airport you can walk away...I usually still say something rude..
    But....On the Airplane..nope...no way. I have done both. I have said something directly to the person and I have politely asked the flight attendants to handle it. They usually do. And fairly promptly. The same in the airline lounges. I watched an attendant once tell a guy if he didn't turn it off or put headphones on he had to leave. He turned it down for a bit and then right back up. They had him escorted out.
    This kind of thing never used to happen. It's gotten so bad in the last few years. And I am 65 now...so the filter is almost gone. Lol

  45. JT Guest

    I've been in the hospitality industry for over 40 years and the level of entitlement has expanded geometrically in that time. The noise issue, the owning of everyone else's shared public space is a part of "Karen" culture. No one wants to share and respect that living together requires compromise and accommodation. I loved the comment about joining the speaker phone conversation on the train - it's a private conversation that takes over everyone else's...

    I've been in the hospitality industry for over 40 years and the level of entitlement has expanded geometrically in that time. The noise issue, the owning of everyone else's shared public space is a part of "Karen" culture. No one wants to share and respect that living together requires compromise and accommodation. I loved the comment about joining the speaker phone conversation on the train - it's a private conversation that takes over everyone else's auditory experience - how is that private? What gives one of us anymore right to hog the airways than another - your right to swing your baseball bat end when it connects with my nose, or in this instance with my ear drums. Unfortunately what is needed is either the general return of civility and common respect, or a woman like the grand dame of my grandmother who would have walked up to the offender and addressing them like they were 6 rather than 26 or 60, confiscating the offending devise and with an imperious "where are your manners" silenced the issue at its source. The monitors of our shared behavior have gone the way of the Dowager Countess of Grantham, more is the pity. Personal freedoms must be shared or we all loose our freedom and the lack of silence in our world is toxic.

  46. Rex Eberly Guest

    So, Executive Platinum on AA and their FA'S are really cracking down on this sub human behavior.
    Best story is from a SW flight out of Vegas. Seat mate had an X rated Video Call with his women telling her exactly how he was going to greet her on his return.

    Both were very descriptive.

  47. ausxau Guest

    People do this inside the sauna at various gyms I go to. So... I just cool down the temperature sensor to push the sauna over 210° F at which point their phones will overheat and shut down and they leave the sauna in disbelief. Two problems solved.

  48. jns Guest

    I am not generally concerned with noise in a public location including on an airplane as long as it is at a reasonable level. If everyone is trying to sleep, that is a different situation. I also do not get upset with a baby crying. The problem I have had with the airplane entertainment systems is that the sound level to the headphones often does not go up enough to overcome the engine noise. That...

    I am not generally concerned with noise in a public location including on an airplane as long as it is at a reasonable level. If everyone is trying to sleep, that is a different situation. I also do not get upset with a baby crying. The problem I have had with the airplane entertainment systems is that the sound level to the headphones often does not go up enough to overcome the engine noise. That is the reason that some people play the sound too loud on their personal systems. It has been a long time since I wanted to tell someone to turn the sound down on an airplane. If a movie in an airplane has subtitles in English, I often turn them on even if I am listening on headphones.

  49. Terry Guest

    I find it incredibly rude & inconsiderate. I include people who don’t mute IM & repetitive text dings . I usually let it go. But one time when someone next to me was singing along to vulgar rap music I put on Gypsy with Ethel Merman and started belting out show tunes. If that’s their standard I can equal their oafishness.

    1. Deebo Guest

      Said like a true Magat

  50. Mike Guest

    This sounds like an extremely American problem.

    1. joeblonik787 Gold

      I can assure you the problem is worldwide, but especially bad in the Middle East and on the Subcontinent.

  51. David Diamond

    I find it infuriating but if there's no rule against it it becomes a situation like crying babies, which you don't seem to have an issue with.

    1. Smic8881 Member

      You can't do anything with babies cause they are babies.
      It's grown up adults we're talking about.

  52. Joe Guest

    There are few things on this entire PLANET that infuriate me more than this. I simply cannot comprehend what compels people to be so inconsiderate of others around them in public places. It gets quite bad on trains here in the U.K, usually people on speaker calls or watching loud videos; typically not in English which can be even more annoying. I don’t have the energy to start a confrontation and my ANC headphones cranked...

    There are few things on this entire PLANET that infuriate me more than this. I simply cannot comprehend what compels people to be so inconsiderate of others around them in public places. It gets quite bad on trains here in the U.K, usually people on speaker calls or watching loud videos; typically not in English which can be even more annoying. I don’t have the energy to start a confrontation and my ANC headphones cranked up real loud always solves it for me. But sometimes you don’t want to be playing loud music just to counter the people around you. Nasty, nasty behaviour!

    1. Trish Guest

      You are not alone. This infuriates me! I travel alot for work and at least in the airport you can walk away...I usually still say something rude..
      But....On the Airplane..nope...no way. I have done both. I have said something directly to the person and I have politely asked the flight attendants to handle it. They usually do. And fairly promptly. The same in the airline lounges. I watched an attendant once tell a guy...

      You are not alone. This infuriates me! I travel alot for work and at least in the airport you can walk away...I usually still say something rude..
      But....On the Airplane..nope...no way. I have done both. I have said something directly to the person and I have politely asked the flight attendants to handle it. They usually do. And fairly promptly. The same in the airline lounges. I watched an attendant once tell a guy if he didn't turn it off or put headphones on he had to leave. He turned it down for a bit and then right back up. They had him escorted out.
      This kind of thing never used to happen. It's gotten so bad in the last few years. And I am 65 now...so the filter is almost gone. Lol

  53. I want to go there Guest

    Years ago a young girl was next to me at the nail salon. She was on a video call w/o headphones. They were discussing the previous night. He then starts to tell her how he could not get it up to have sex with some girl. I stopped and looked at her and said okay you need to take this call off line. I was thanked by two other customers.

  54. Mary S Guest

    I have seen this happen time and time again with kids. If the FA gets involved, it goes something like this...
    FA: Please have your child put on a headset on or turn off the sound.
    Parent: He/she wont wear a headset.
    FA: Please have them turn the sound off.
    Parent (if it is a game): She/he doesn't like it without sound
    Parent (if it is a video): You want...

    I have seen this happen time and time again with kids. If the FA gets involved, it goes something like this...
    FA: Please have your child put on a headset on or turn off the sound.
    Parent: He/she wont wear a headset.
    FA: Please have them turn the sound off.
    Parent (if it is a game): She/he doesn't like it without sound
    Parent (if it is a video): You want him to watch a video without sound? That is ridiculous.

    Most of the time the FAs simply act like they don't hear the ping ping ping or sound.

    On a recent flight in asia, a FA asked the man to turn off the sound. He looked up at her and simply went back to listening to the video. A second female FA came up and repeated the request to turn off the sound or put a headset on. Ignored. Finally, they simply said we cannot leave until you turn it off. THAT is when everyone started staring at him. He did turn it off... until after takeoff... then turned it back on. What a d#ick!

    If the airlines cracked down hard on this, it would stop.
    "If you don't turn it off, the rest of your itinerary will be canceled."
    And then do it.

    1. glenn t Diamond

      If a male crew member asked the guy to cease and desist he would have complied. It's the Asian (and Indian) way.
      Most Asian female FAs are culturally excessively 'nice' and do not convey authority, especially within their culture. The most horrible thing they can do is ignore untoward behaviour or requests.

  55. Paul Guest

    I often carry cheapo spare earbuds and hand them to offenders. I have not yet been assaulted as a result.

  56. Michael_FFM Diamond

    I am baffled at this phenomenon as well, amd it is not restricted to the mentioned places, it’s everywhere.
    On how I handled such a situation: we were in a peaceful hotel in Ubud, Bali, and some obnoxious rich Indonesian guy was not only entertaining his GF to some song over the phone but also the neighbors, including us. After a long while I countered with a rather unromantic song, aggressively played, in a...

    I am baffled at this phenomenon as well, amd it is not restricted to the mentioned places, it’s everywhere.
    On how I handled such a situation: we were in a peaceful hotel in Ubud, Bali, and some obnoxious rich Indonesian guy was not only entertaining his GF to some song over the phone but also the neighbors, including us. After a long while I countered with a rather unromantic song, aggressively played, in a language he didn’t understand. He realized that annoying guests with loud music is impolite and stopped it, and so did I a few seconds later.
    I know passive aggression is bad, but I have to work with the tools handed to me.

  57. Mary Guest

    I'm baffled by the people who sport a phone costing over $1000 who can't be bothered to buy the headphones. Tacky!

  58. Alan Guest

    Totally agree, Ben. Unfortunately when travelling I'm afraid I've mainly found it to be American guests in hotel lounges that are the worst culprits. I'd suggest for those doing calls on loudspeaker you just join in their conversation, that'll get them to switch to headphones in no time

    1. Jeff Z Guest

      No way... Europeans are waaay worse than Americans. Loud, obnoxious calls/videos/games. And the video calls in German.. oh my.

      I will take the Americans over Europeans any day! And I am an EU resident!!!

  59. Ocean Guest

    I don't mind the noise at all, but they could politely turn down the volume a Tad bit. Overall it's whatever. Sometimes I forget to bring my headphones with me & sometimes I'm using it.

    Regardless to me it's not rude at all unless someone is playing something so Obscene in public where children can hear, now that's a different story.

    It's also just a sign of you getting older if noice that people play in public have become a bother

    1. Madalton New Member

      This does not work. When you have several people doing this it is just impossible to ignore.

    2. Paul USA Guest

      I hope you are reading the other comments and realizing that you are in the minority, and that most people who are good citizens in a first world country would like the sound invasion of their space kept to a minimum. If you notice that older people are more likely to ask for privacy, perhaps it's because they lived in a world with a greater amount of civility, and have learned that being considerate of...

      I hope you are reading the other comments and realizing that you are in the minority, and that most people who are good citizens in a first world country would like the sound invasion of their space kept to a minimum. If you notice that older people are more likely to ask for privacy, perhaps it's because they lived in a world with a greater amount of civility, and have learned that being considerate of other people is a good thing to do. I wonder what your definition of "obscene" is, but whatever it is, I'll bet there are others who would say your bar is too low.
      btw, "a tad" means "a bit." A tad bit is redundant.

  60. shayla Guest

    OMG, no way in hell you're alone. Such ill mannered behavior from people who think everyone wants to be privy to their choice of entertainment . I DO NOT! I'm not sure why airlines don't make announcements, but then, unlike Greyhound, Megabus, etc.... where announcements are made, they can hardly kick you off the plane, although that wouldn't be the worst thing. If you paid thousands for your phone, surely you can spare a few...

    OMG, no way in hell you're alone. Such ill mannered behavior from people who think everyone wants to be privy to their choice of entertainment . I DO NOT! I'm not sure why airlines don't make announcements, but then, unlike Greyhound, Megabus, etc.... where announcements are made, they can hardly kick you off the plane, although that wouldn't be the worst thing. If you paid thousands for your phone, surely you can spare a few bucks for some headphones. And one of the most annoying things is someone listening to a video or show in the distance and all you hear is this "tinny" sound like a bunch of dolls are having a conversation.

    I used to manage a salon in another life and would be quick to walk back to the dryers when people did that. Drove me crazy. But if you're ever on NYC Transit, have earplugs to go with hour headset because in that situation, the rats would be the least of your worries.

  61. Zack Guest

    Like everyone else, I’ve seen this plenty. And it drives me insane. I always figured if it got bad enough and they didn’t stop, I would just break out my phone and turn it up to full volume and try to figure out what kind of music, YouTube video, Ted talk, etc. they would hate to hear the most and then I would hold it about 3 feet from their head and play it as...

    Like everyone else, I’ve seen this plenty. And it drives me insane. I always figured if it got bad enough and they didn’t stop, I would just break out my phone and turn it up to full volume and try to figure out what kind of music, YouTube video, Ted talk, etc. they would hate to hear the most and then I would hold it about 3 feet from their head and play it as loud as I could. Then, when they turned around to look at me, I would stare at them in an obvious manner to let them know that I was not scared of them. And I was ready to rumble if they wanted to do something about it.

    Of course, im the type that will rumble if they get out of line after I nicely tell them that they need to tell me where they think the socially acceptable boundary is for playing music close to other people! Lol then I would back up to wherever they said that is and play it from there and then ask them nicely again for a truce where we both put in our earbuds!

  62. Delmundo Guest

    Agree 100%
    So rude especially in a lounge where you’re trying to get away from so much noise and airport confusion. You’re forced to listen to children’s video game noise and full out loud conversations. I usually move to a quiet zone but often people trot their kids in that space. I’ve taken to responding out loud to their conversation often offering an answer or fact check a detail someone got wrong. Head sets...

    Agree 100%
    So rude especially in a lounge where you’re trying to get away from so much noise and airport confusion. You’re forced to listen to children’s video game noise and full out loud conversations. I usually move to a quiet zone but often people trot their kids in that space. I’ve taken to responding out loud to their conversation often offering an answer or fact check a detail someone got wrong. Head sets are as common as smart devices. Can’t understand why people think it’s ok for everyone else to be forced to hear their idiotic details of their stupid delayed transfer.

  63. Peter Guest

    It’s happening in all types of restaurants and is terribly annoying.

  64. Jaz Guest

    I am so glad you wrote this. I find this to be one of the rudest things in society that I ever deal with. Who thinks it is okay to have conversations on speaker phone in public? Now we get to hear two people talking? When did quietly speaking into your own phone go away? I am with you 100% but am afraid I'll get into a fight if I say anything. I usually end...

    I am so glad you wrote this. I find this to be one of the rudest things in society that I ever deal with. Who thinks it is okay to have conversations on speaker phone in public? Now we get to hear two people talking? When did quietly speaking into your own phone go away? I am with you 100% but am afraid I'll get into a fight if I say anything. I usually end up staring at the person, though they never get the hint. My blood boils and I put on headphones if I have them. It is b.s.

  65. VVNSydney Guest

    Yes. And yes again. We took the TGV from Paris to Barcelona recently and had an American family in the 4 seat section behind us. Three women, assorted ages, behaved perfectly. The dad/bloke held a frightfully important conference call for over 2 hours. Out loud. No headphones. Not usually worried about making a scene but just freaking tired of it. Put our airpods in and watched Die Hard, silently on an ipad. Like sane people...

    Yes. And yes again. We took the TGV from Paris to Barcelona recently and had an American family in the 4 seat section behind us. Three women, assorted ages, behaved perfectly. The dad/bloke held a frightfully important conference call for over 2 hours. Out loud. No headphones. Not usually worried about making a scene but just freaking tired of it. Put our airpods in and watched Die Hard, silently on an ipad. Like sane people do when feeling homicidal. In terms of utter cluelessness however… took a transatlantic cruise on Costa from Barcelona to Buenos Aires. Have given up praying for health, wealth and happiness and now begging for Italian women of a certain age to watch their grandkids Christmas shows with HEADPHONES!!! Not blaring. In the dining room. While they are by themselves and waiting for friends. Gave in one dinner and asked the woman at the next table if she could translate it to English for us - since we could hear it anyway, and started waving at her friends on Skype. Also… why is it the people with the loudest and most piercing ring tones still need a solid 5 or 6 full volume rings to answer it? Undiagnosed deafness and slow reaction times are a thing. Guaranteed they still drive and vote. Nope. No issues here.

  66. Robert Guest

    Hola Ben,
    No it is not just you. Late last Summer I flew from SFO to MIA on American Airlines and the woman next to me was watching a movie on her phone full volume without earphones. I tolerated it during the entire trip because she was consuming alcohol one after another and I too wanted to avoid a confrontation with a middle aged blonde white woman.
    On the same flight the woman...

    Hola Ben,
    No it is not just you. Late last Summer I flew from SFO to MIA on American Airlines and the woman next to me was watching a movie on her phone full volume without earphones. I tolerated it during the entire trip because she was consuming alcohol one after another and I too wanted to avoid a confrontation with a middle aged blonde white woman.
    On the same flight the woman across the aisle from me was also watching a
    Program on her own phone full volume, no earphones. Another blonde middle aged white woman whom I did not wish to
    Confront. I was very upset with their bad manners and total lack of consideration for their fellow passengers.
    I debated with my self wether to approach a flight attendant and decided not to because I thought my neighbors would immediately know I was the one who brought the attention of the FA.
    I really don’t know what the solution is.
    To me as an expat living in Buenos Aires and returning to the US once a year it is a clear demonstration of the deteriorating social norms in the US and the permission granted by the previous leaders for people to act like Aholes.
    Keep up the great job you do and congratulations on your family and new babies.
    A longtime Avgeek fan

  67. Joe Guest

    Recently flew premium economy and was seated next to a gentleman who continuously watched Instagram videos without headphones. After waiting a few minutes to see if something would change, I requested a change to another seat as it was just too much. Luckily there was one available in the same class but sometimes this does not work. Other pet peeve, is people who think it’s ok to walk barefoot on the plane or in the...

    Recently flew premium economy and was seated next to a gentleman who continuously watched Instagram videos without headphones. After waiting a few minutes to see if something would change, I requested a change to another seat as it was just too much. Luckily there was one available in the same class but sometimes this does not work. Other pet peeve, is people who think it’s ok to walk barefoot on the plane or in the airport. It’s disgusting! I don’t care if you are a full-time foot model.

    1. Bodhisattva Guest

      This is cultural thing. Walking barefoot is expected in closed spaces inany cultures. Grow up.

  68. Morgan Diamond

    I like several others agree, absolutely say something when someone is watching something loud without headphones whether this be by asking them directly or asking the FA. As the more we ask/tell people to wear headphones the more it becomes a deterrent to watch something without headphones on as they won't want to be constantly bothered asked to wear headphones/turn it down all the time and will just wear them instead. If we don't say...

    I like several others agree, absolutely say something when someone is watching something loud without headphones whether this be by asking them directly or asking the FA. As the more we ask/tell people to wear headphones the more it becomes a deterrent to watch something without headphones on as they won't want to be constantly bothered asked to wear headphones/turn it down all the time and will just wear them instead. If we don't say something this is how the behaviour becomes widespread and commonplace.

  69. Joe Nemec Guest

    Okay true story. I was on the Acela from WAS to NYP and a guy in the seat in front of me was on speaker phone bragging to his buddy about the big deal he closed and the big dinner he was having in NYC. He then called the Wolfgang’s Steakhouse on 54th and reserved a table for 8. He then called his buddy back and bragged about his reservations. He kept saying he had...

    Okay true story. I was on the Acela from WAS to NYP and a guy in the seat in front of me was on speaker phone bragging to his buddy about the big deal he closed and the big dinner he was having in NYC. He then called the Wolfgang’s Steakhouse on 54th and reserved a table for 8. He then called his buddy back and bragged about his reservations. He kept saying he had an awesome table and was going to have an awesome dinner.

    The guy next to me made a quiet phone call and turned to me just as the guy in front called another buddy and said he had a table for 10 at Wolfgang’s. The man next to me simply said “and now he doesn’t have the table anymore”.

    Classic

  70. AVGeekHNL Member

    I find it infuriating when this loud noise occurs ... sometimes it is someone yelling into their cellphone or it might be someone watching a football game without headphones. I have a 3M OSHA-approved noise-reduction ear muff (passive, not noise cancelling) that cuts out 34 dB of sound - its very useful if you happen to sit right in front a baby or toddler that is crying for hours on end. Great for sleeping on...

    I find it infuriating when this loud noise occurs ... sometimes it is someone yelling into their cellphone or it might be someone watching a football game without headphones. I have a 3M OSHA-approved noise-reduction ear muff (passive, not noise cancelling) that cuts out 34 dB of sound - its very useful if you happen to sit right in front a baby or toddler that is crying for hours on end. Great for sleeping on the plane too, and sometimes needed in a noisy hotel room.

  71. Leila Guest

    My husband always carries some unused delta earbuds in his travel bag. On a flight from Cancun to JFK, and older lady (old enough to have white hair!) across the aisle was playing games or watching videos on her phone with the volume turned waaaayyyy up! My husband finally got fed up as he was hearing the noise through his AirPod pros and offered her the spare earbuds, telling her if he can hear the...

    My husband always carries some unused delta earbuds in his travel bag. On a flight from Cancun to JFK, and older lady (old enough to have white hair!) across the aisle was playing games or watching videos on her phone with the volume turned waaaayyyy up! My husband finally got fed up as he was hearing the noise through his AirPod pros and offered her the spare earbuds, telling her if he can hear the noise past his noise cancellation, then it must be even louder for the others around. In the end, she couldn’t figure out how to get the plug-in earbuds to work on her phone, which we figure was due to a debris plugged port.

    So yeah, we fully support handing out headphones and earbuds.

  72. Wiz Guest

    I was on a flight from LGA-->DFW earlier this week and both the guy next to me and a woman in front of me were watching movies on their phones at full volume. I really don't think the onus should be on me to create a super awkward situation by saying something to them, the flight attendants were clearly aware and didn't do anything.

    1. GLCTraveler Gold

      YEP, the flight staff should take control of the passengers and usually love to do when they act like utter A-holes and don't use headphones......
      Personally, I'm using tactic of the German guy in Doha and call out the ignorant idiots saying loudly the same thing!! :-)

  73. Fed UP Guest

    Everything Ben and others have said, against not using headphones is so true. Selfish people only think of themselves... the headphone issue is the tip of the iceberg on how they treat others...

    Quite frankly .. airlines and lounge staff need to have signs up and enforce these quiet zones....

    It can also be cultural, which is a whole other story...

    Sick of it... Recently at a lounge, I just started repeated saying, turn it...

    Everything Ben and others have said, against not using headphones is so true. Selfish people only think of themselves... the headphone issue is the tip of the iceberg on how they treat others...

    Quite frankly .. airlines and lounge staff need to have signs up and enforce these quiet zones....

    It can also be cultural, which is a whole other story...

    Sick of it... Recently at a lounge, I just started repeated saying, turn it off, turn if off, turn it off, until they guy got up and left... my noise was more annoying than his and for once, I won....

  74. Henry L Guest

    I was once in Sydney airport to witness a recruiter on a call talking to her client about and offer. By the end of the call I knew where the person in question worked and what he currently earned and what his future package would be - wholly disrespectful.

  75. Crosscourt Guest

    I'm so over the sort of behaviour described. Some of it is cultural, all of it is bad manners and rude and inconsiderate. It's people looking for attention and to be noticed. It's like those who sit on public seating in an airport or lounge with shoes on the seat etc. Uncouth.

  76. Joe Guest

    I think the death penalty is appropriate for this kind of behavior. But that’s just me.

  77. Brian G. Gold

    "Buy headphones in bulk, and passive aggressively hand them out as needed? This actually seems sorta fun and productive "

    Most hotel gyms have free headphones that you can "redistribute" to the traveling public.

    1. henare Diamond

      Many (most?) phones in 2022 don't have a headphone jack. They expect phone customers to have Bluetooth headphones. I don't think that BT headphones are yet cheap enough that you want to do this.

  78. Max Guest

    Just play Andrew Tate videos from rumble on full blast. People will get the point.

  79. Santastico Diamond

    I see this all the time. Problem is that idiots find way to be annoying even with headphones. The other day I was at the Delta lounge and this lady was on a Facetime call with headphones but she was sooooo loud on her voice that it was impossible to be close to her and she couldn’t care less.

  80. Brad C Guest

    I like the idea of buying headphones in bulk. Not in order to be passive aggressive about it, but I think some people genuinely forget headphones when traveling. However, there are a LOT of inconsiderate people that do have headphones but prefer to play sound over their speaker for whatever reason so YMMV.

  81. Ben Guest

    I like your idea about handing them headphones. It's amazingly annoying when these people play their phone sound out loud.

  82. TimS Guest

    As a flight attendant for a major airline, I can tell you I will say something to the passengers who don't use headphones. I also carry extra ear buds in case they dont bring theirs. I encourage passengers who are disturbed by excess noise from their fellow passengers to simply ring their call button, we will take care of the problem. Passenger confrontation is not necessary.

    1. GLCTraveler Gold

      Absolutely agree........... Thank you!

  83. Eskimo Guest

    Infuriating?
    Funny how people here don't learn anything from Covid-19. It's the same concept.

    HEADPHONES = MASKS
    HEADPHONES = MASKS
    HEADPHONES = MASKS

    You can go back to any of the mask debate and replace it with headphones. They work interchangeably like magic.

    1. Bob Guest

      Had to hear some boring sales person/consultant on a zoom call once.

      Felt bad, sounded like a miserable life.

    2. shayla Guest

      Not sure what you mean since people were being rude with their devices long before Covid and would have happily continued doing so up to this point has there never been Covid.

    3. henare Diamond

      Not really. One involves spreading disease, and the other is just annoying.

    4. Eskimo Guest

      Exactly my point.

      It's the ignorant people who don't get it, whether masks or headphones.

      Just like politics, no point in trying to explain something that would never end. You already picked a side.

  84. Auspointer Guest

    This is up there as one of my all time “drives me crazy” issues (but to be fair I have long list) with humanity…

    Not that anyone is to blame other than the individual perpetrator, I also attribute the acceptance of using mobiles in hands-free mode in public settings from reality TV shows (eg Kardashians and the endless home improvement shows) and mobile phone makers (ie Apple and others) removing the ubiquitous headphone jack from...

    This is up there as one of my all time “drives me crazy” issues (but to be fair I have long list) with humanity…

    Not that anyone is to blame other than the individual perpetrator, I also attribute the acceptance of using mobiles in hands-free mode in public settings from reality TV shows (eg Kardashians and the endless home improvement shows) and mobile phone makers (ie Apple and others) removing the ubiquitous headphone jack from their newer devices). Of course none of these reasons is any excuse for just really selfish and boorish behaviour.

  85. RealTaylor Gold

    I think the increase in this issue is due to phones no longer having standard headphone jacks. Thanks to Apple for that, which started this aggravating design trend

    1. Jack Guest

      That's what I was told in the AC lounge earlier this week: the girl told me her AirPods were 'still charging' and she had to watch her 'show' (at full volume).

    2. GLCTraveler Gold

      This is a problem!! No headphone jacks!!

      My comment to the twit would be TS Bitch........ Turn the F'ing volume down and hold close to your face!!

  86. weekendsurfer Guest

    I was recently in Las Vegas and was enjoying a nice dinner meal at one of the Bellagio restaurants directly by the fountain. When the fountain show starts, a women seated next to us hops on your phone, calls a friend, and tell her to go on Skype so she can show her the show. She then proceeds to go by the window, nearby other tables, and gives commentary. All without headphones during dinner service...

    I was recently in Las Vegas and was enjoying a nice dinner meal at one of the Bellagio restaurants directly by the fountain. When the fountain show starts, a women seated next to us hops on your phone, calls a friend, and tell her to go on Skype so she can show her the show. She then proceeds to go by the window, nearby other tables, and gives commentary. All without headphones during dinner service time.

    Now, this woman was in her 50s (I guestimate), so this is certainly not an issue based on age alone.

  87. Robert Fusj Guest

    Unfortunately I cannot use headphones, or earphones because I get ear infections without proper air flow, however I do try to minimize the Noise by lowering the volume as low as possible and still be able to hear the content.

    1. Brad C Guest

      Why don't you get bone conduction headphones then?

    2. Jay Guest

      Try bone conduction headphones. I have a pair and they are wonderful. My problem is not earbuds causing ear infections but rather an ear but usually falls out of my ear very quickly.

    3. Wendelll Guest

      Trash people doing trash things. Yes, I can and will ask said trash individuals if they have been introduced to a new invention named headphones.

    4. Bob Guest

      Try the AfterShox headphones that rest outside your ear and conduct sound through the skull bone.
      No in ear bud

  88. Chris_ Gold

    The removal of headphone jacks from phones certainly hasn't helped.

  89. Andy Diamond

    Recently, I’ve been told by a person (in their late 20s or early 30s), who was not using headphones, that this is my own problem, because I was “extremely old” (I’m 54) … So I can only guess, but it seems you, Ben, are getting get old, too …

    1. Carlos Guest

      I have an app that can blast noise at high frequency (above 15 kHz) which us old folk (upper 50s) cannot hear but the annoying youngsters can. Problem solved.

    2. XPL Diamond

      @Carlos, what is the name of this app? Asking for a friend.

    3. Carlos Guest

      fgenerator or function generator, at least on ios

    4. Terry Guest

      Oh Carlos PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE post that app.

  90. Jjojo Guest

    It's like back in the late 80s/ early 90s when people walked around with big boom boxes on their shoulders. Now you have small boom boxes in your backpack just as loud.

  91. Max Johnson Guest

    I couldn’t agree more - this is absolutely a major bugbear of mine. Part of the issue is that unless you are in the direct line of sound it is very distorted and painful to hear

    I have, on occasion, resorted to playing Carmen or a similar operatic favourite in close retaliation. It works

  92. Greg Guest

    One more option: use your noise cancelling buds to block rude audio. I wouldn't risk escalation by saying something. Rude folks almost always can't respond gracefully to a request.

    1. Colin Guest

      Noise cancellation, unfortunately, isn't meant to block actually foreground noise like this though. It's meant to block constant background noise - like airplane engine noise or highway traffic or whatever. So it does a poor job. It's something, but it's not a solution.

      To me this stuff is just as bad as farting or BO. Boggles my mind that people think this is acceptable. I have a similar view on smoking. Even if it...

      Noise cancellation, unfortunately, isn't meant to block actually foreground noise like this though. It's meant to block constant background noise - like airplane engine noise or highway traffic or whatever. So it does a poor job. It's something, but it's not a solution.

      To me this stuff is just as bad as farting or BO. Boggles my mind that people think this is acceptable. I have a similar view on smoking. Even if it wasn't cancerous, you're inflicting someone else with your own smell, noise, etc. Common courtesy.

  93. JM Guest

    It is unfortunate, but society is becoming unapologetically self-centered.

  94. Glenn Yudenfriend Guest

    Welcome to the Era of narcissists!
    It should never be tolerated.

  95. Ed Guest

    Noise canceling headphones are the answer when you don’t want any conflicts with these people! I have my AirPods for the terminal and Sony headset for the flight with me at all times!

  96. JoePro Guest

    If you want peace and quiet on your flight, maybe flying private is for you.

    1. Icarus Guest

      It’s ignorant to play music etc on a phone laptop etc on a plane etc. imagine you come under the selfish moron umbrella

    2. JoePro Guest

      "If you actually want to control the environment around you, then flying private is for you."

      From Ben's article about babies flying in First Class.

    3. M in DC Guest

      A baby's cry is not something that an adult can (generally) control. Use of audio that can be overheard by others is. Apples and oranges.

    4. JoePro Guest

      The comparison isn't between whether any adult can control a child crying VS whether any adult can control the audio output of their device.

      The comparison is between whether you can control someone else bringing a baby who is likely to cry on a plane (or more specifically, first class), VS whether you can control someone else being on speaker with their device.

      There's an obvious difference in what you can *influence*, but if we're...

      The comparison isn't between whether any adult can control a child crying VS whether any adult can control the audio output of their device.

      The comparison is between whether you can control someone else bringing a baby who is likely to cry on a plane (or more specifically, first class), VS whether you can control someone else being on speaker with their device.

      There's an obvious difference in what you can *influence*, but if we're applying the same standards, then we'd go back to "If you actually want to control the environment around you, then flying private is for you."

      To be clear, I don't like people wearing headphones, and I'll put up with babies in FC.

      But if you're taking the attitude of 'if you don't want to be disturbed, fly private', then apply it evenly. Otherwise it comes across as arrogant/hypocritical.

    5. Mr flyer Guest

      To all the people who think to have a right to to make excessive noise without regards to others, maybe the bus is better for them!

  97. Piyush Guest

    Same here, I just fo to the guy n say, r u just so poor that u can't buy a headphone of minimum indian ruppee of ₹ 100 bucks (cheapest in the segment) while having a mobile of 10k in ur hand, have some decency towards ur Co travellers privacy...

  98. WAE Guest

    This problem has increased in recent years. The expectation that one will not interfere with others' enjoyment of the flight has been replaced with a sense of entitlement.

    Airlines need to clarify and communicate their policies. Flight attendants need to state the rules during pre-flight safety demonstrations and then ensure compliance.

    You never have to confront anyone on a plane. You can always ask a flight attendant to intervene.

    (If the offending individual is...

    This problem has increased in recent years. The expectation that one will not interfere with others' enjoyment of the flight has been replaced with a sense of entitlement.

    Airlines need to clarify and communicate their policies. Flight attendants need to state the rules during pre-flight safety demonstrations and then ensure compliance.

    You never have to confront anyone on a plane. You can always ask a flight attendant to intervene.

    (If the offending individual is seated next to you or close by and you wish to remain anonymous, you can always get up to use the lavatory and inform any flight attendant about the problem.)

    That should resolve most situations. Anyone who disobeys a crewmember's instructions risks violating federal law and both civil penalties and criminal prosecution. Laws vary, however, by country and region.

    Unfortunately, the European Commission recently ruled that member states of the EU have to make 5G frequency bands available on planes as of June 30, 2023 (for flights within Europe). A lot of passengers are going to be unhappy listening to phone calls. Fortunately, such a policy seems unlikely for flights in the United States as public sentiment is strongly against it.

  99. Stuart Guest

    It’s becoming incessant around the world. I agree I just don’t get it. To me it demonstrates how completely out of touch people are in public settings. And it’s telling as to why society is unraveling. Selfishness on display.

    As to confronting it. I do. If on planes. Surprisingly flight attendants ignore it and usually walk by. I guess what doesn’t bother them is not their job. As such I will politely ask the...

    It’s becoming incessant around the world. I agree I just don’t get it. To me it demonstrates how completely out of touch people are in public settings. And it’s telling as to why society is unraveling. Selfishness on display.

    As to confronting it. I do. If on planes. Surprisingly flight attendants ignore it and usually walk by. I guess what doesn’t bother them is not their job. As such I will politely ask the person to use headphones. In BA F a few months ago a man was visibility upset that I would ask such a thing as he conferenced while we sat on the plane with a ground delay and for the whole cabin to hear. His response, “why don’t you use headphones if it bothers you so much.”

  100. Nick Guest

    It's super annoying. I try to give the benefit of the doubt as I think most of us workaholics have been there. An unexpected video call pops up as you're rushing through the terminal or one that extends into boarding. I generally don't get bothered by that because sh*t happens. But listening to tiktok and your own music and videos on your own schedule is just poor manners.

    On one of my recent 12hr+ flights...

    It's super annoying. I try to give the benefit of the doubt as I think most of us workaholics have been there. An unexpected video call pops up as you're rushing through the terminal or one that extends into boarding. I generally don't get bothered by that because sh*t happens. But listening to tiktok and your own music and videos on your own schedule is just poor manners.

    On one of my recent 12hr+ flights the lady next to me decided to play a video of her screaming baby, without headphones, on repeat for hours and hours. The actual babies on the flight were behaving fine. After the first few minutes of this I did tell her headphones and she said "no". Then what? I said it a few more times. Stewardess said it. Passenger behind her said it and kicked her chair pretty hard. It's just normal now and infuriating.

    Also in a lounge in ATL and this couple comes in video chatting to relatives full blast and an unkept dog they let off leash. In the lounge. I tsk'd and moved but I just left after they did nothing about the giant shedding dog shaking itself off by the buffet food. Disgusting.

    Had an American man try the video chat on full blast in FRA and was shut down faster than I could even get annoyed by it. Love the German no-nonsense attitude. FRA even has phone booth areas to be loud in!

    Some people are not only masters of their own world but of everyone's apparently.

  101. Serge T Guest

    OMG you are definitely not alone.. And I am def not passive about it. I let them know. If they do not like it, then I turn my phone on to some really bad loud Circuit music and play it for about 5 seconds. I then turn around and tell them how would they like to hear that for the remainder of the flight. They get the message really quick at that point :)

  102. Donna Diamond

    Every time I get on a plane I am thankful that phone calls are not permitted inflight. Calls have to be the worst. At my dental clinic waiting room a few days ago, an old guy with a loud obnoxious ring tone answered after several rings and proceeded to talk so LOUD into the phone for so LONG that someone finally got up and asked him to take his call outside. Old men screaming into...

    Every time I get on a plane I am thankful that phone calls are not permitted inflight. Calls have to be the worst. At my dental clinic waiting room a few days ago, an old guy with a loud obnoxious ring tone answered after several rings and proceeded to talk so LOUD into the phone for so LONG that someone finally got up and asked him to take his call outside. Old men screaming into phones, kids playing video games, young people blasting music, and business people on their video calls. It’s everywhere. People just don’t care.

    1. Icarus Guest

      My phone is almost always on silent. In addition the other day, I overheard someone give out credit card details including name expiry and cvr code. Are they so stupid ? Sadly, yes

  103. lucas winker Guest

    bro literally i was sitting in LH business class this summer from MUC-SAN and the guy next to me was watching this weird video of people laughing and it was really annoying
    but i didn’t say anything because i didn’t want to be that guy and i just put my airpods in
    he also stopped when we started to taxi so yeah

  104. Adam Enright Guest

    What a scientifically accurate statement! Wow. It’s amazing how much republicans love accurate information!

  105. AlanD Guest

    I had a case a couple of years ago on a UA flight where somebody was watching a TV show on their phone behind me without headphones. I could hear it through my noise canceling headphones. A passenger asked the FA to talk to them and they said they would. Then when the FA reached the row and discovered the offender was a deadheading FA they didn’t say anything and it continued the whole flight.

    ...

    I had a case a couple of years ago on a UA flight where somebody was watching a TV show on their phone behind me without headphones. I could hear it through my noise canceling headphones. A passenger asked the FA to talk to them and they said they would. Then when the FA reached the row and discovered the offender was a deadheading FA they didn’t say anything and it continued the whole flight.

    A few weeks ago I was sitting next to a commuting pilot on an AA flight and he listened to several loud videos before and after takeoff without headphones. I sure as heck wouldn’t feel comfortable taking that up with him or with the FAs. Thankfully some gentle side eye gave him the hint.

    That’s been my biggest concern is when there’s a power dynamic!

  106. Jayson Guest

    Those free throwaway headphones airlines hand out when you’re in a premium cabin or when they have high end headphones that the take away from you when landing and they give you these for the last hour— take these whether you need them or not! I gather these and keep them in my bag. When someone is not using headphones and it bothers me— I just take out one of these cheap free headphones and...

    Those free throwaway headphones airlines hand out when you’re in a premium cabin or when they have high end headphones that the take away from you when landing and they give you these for the last hour— take these whether you need them or not! I gather these and keep them in my bag. When someone is not using headphones and it bothers me— I just take out one of these cheap free headphones and walk up to them and say “do you need some headphones? I am happy to give you these- I don’t need them”. It works every time — often with a “gee thanks”. They get the message or the genuinely are so selfish, they don’t realize their mistake and are very apologetic.

    1. Ethan Guest

      Unfortunately most phones no longer have headphone jacks so this strategy doesn't work for folks on their phones.

  107. sxc7885 Member

    Im more curious if the airlines or at least AA is starting to address this or if it was just a fluke. Took 2 AA flights over last week and both times FA mentioned that “headphone to listen to entertainment were required” was in their announcement after take off. I was kinda surprised to hear such a thing but thats also why i bring my own noise canceling headphones to drown out such things as ive been in situations like this on some flights and its really annoying

    1. Chris_ Gold

      I've also heard this recently on AA.

    2. Ryan Guest

      Can confirm, I fly AA/Oneworld and AA has been routinely doing this on domestic flights since last fall.

    3. Andrew Guest

      I've noticed they've started doing this on Delta flights recently.

  108. Gregory Guest

    You couldn't have seen soccer if you were hearing the GOOOAAAAL constantly. They generally don't score often.

    1. GroeneMichel Gold

      Could be a summary of the game.

  109. Greg zapp Guest

    Just rock to RAMMSTEIN without headphones on speaker phone next to them. Nobody has said anything to me yet- of course size does help.
    They’ll be ignorant and selfish no matter what you do. As long as you laugh and don’t get bothered, they’ll piss off

  110. Friendly Guest

    I top it up. Sitting on chairs with their shoes on chairs or even tables. Taking care of fingernails, no headphones or loud phone calls with speakers on, while their children do watherver they want. This is unfortunately so American.

    1. OneAlphaTwo Gold

      I travel regularly around the world both for work and leisure. This is hardly unique to the US. I see it everywhere…except Japan.

    2. Stuart Guest

      You must only travel in America. It’s actually even more common overseas from my experience.

    3. AP Guest

      Ha, travel in Asia and you see worse.

  111. D3kingg Guest

    Always confront and eliminate the threat. Problem solved.

    “Hey turn that down !”
    “Put on some headphones !”

    Get in their zoom call and let the person they are chatting with that they will have to call them back as they are in a public place without headphones. End the call if you have to.

  112. Seat 14A Guest

    I have asked the FA to step in on several flights. They have been great about having the passenger stop.

    1. D3kingg Guest

      @Seat 1A

      Maybe as a last resort but try to handle it yourself first.

  113. Jordan Guest

    Being based out of Seattle, I have to tip my hat to Alaska FAs. 'Headphones required' is part of their preflight safety briefing, and they do indeed enforce it during the flight. I have to agree that people's lack of self awareness or concern for others is on a downward trend, I find the worst offenders to be jabronis who go hiking in the wilderness with a bluetooth speaker strapped to their backpack cranking out tunes and destroying the calm of nature.

  114. T- Guest

    I don’t understand why people refuse to wear headphones in public spaces. I know that I would be embarrassed. If I don’t have headphones, I would never disturb the “peace”. I don’t like drawing so much attention to myself. I can only say it is a dumb thing to do.

  115. Pete Guest

    My wife and I find it very annoying, especially in restaurants. We don't understand why they do it and at full volume. We usually ask the restaurant to have someone talk to them, or on a plane, which we take often, a flight attendant.
    It's a selfish ignorant thing to do that we hope loses its appeal, the sooner the better.

  116. Jay Guest

    I put in my noise cancelling earbuds and ignore them.

    1. Steve Diamond

      Same here.

      No surprise Ben's issue was from MIA. That would be my first pick on where you are most likely to encounter people with no respect for others.

    2. Drew Guest

      Agreed. Lived in Miami for 18 years and by far the most rude, nasty, arrogant and classless group of citizens in the US.

  117. icarus Guest

    Happens all the time when I'm on the bus here, having to listen to loud music or conversations. Very ignorant and selfish. Even worse when more multiple people are doing the same.

  118. James Guest

    About once a month, this type of thing happens in our favorite restaurant. Someone having to share or watch a loud video that everyone in the place can hear. Last time, it was one of the regulars who was waiting for his dinner companion (so it surprised me) and I asked the manager to ask him to turn it down (I was going to do it myself, but SO didn't want me to). I got a couple of nods from nearby patrons after I did that.

  119. Max Guest

    I was in a restaurant with my wife and the woman next to me was using Facetime for a good 10 minutes when I asked her "excuse me will you be done with your call soon?". She became very upset we decided to move tables and as she left the restaurant came by our table again saying she was a cancer surviver and hoped we both "die of cancer". Since then I avoid confronting people and ask the staff who usually not eager to intervene.

  120. John Guest

    I remember the first time I experienced this was on a commuter train heading into NYC years ago. The guy in the seat in front of me was on a long speaker phone call. When asked by several passengers not to use the phone in speaker mode, he just ignored them. I stood up, leaned over, and joined the conversation. After a few seconds, he said "this is a private call" to which I replied,...

    I remember the first time I experienced this was on a commuter train heading into NYC years ago. The guy in the seat in front of me was on a long speaker phone call. When asked by several passengers not to use the phone in speaker mode, he just ignored them. I stood up, leaned over, and joined the conversation. After a few seconds, he said "this is a private call" to which I replied, "Not on a speaker on a full train car it's not...". He got up and changed cars as passengers applauded.

    I generally just walk away but that's not always an option. However in those situations where one can't get away from these idiots (train cars, airline cabins, lounges), it's really up to the operator of those spaces to handle situations like this. Unfortunately, they'll tell you they don't want to do anything for fear of escalation - and leave the risk and frustration to their customers.

  121. John Guest

    There was a bit in Top Gear where as a prank they somehow forced the audio in Clarkson’s car to play a CD consisting of some of Margaret Thatcher’s speeches at full volume.

    I wonder if you sat next to soccer guy or WAP and just blasted somethings obnoxious like that - would it click for them and would they turn off audio?

  122. Hank Guest

    This is a real issue - particularly for those with noise sensitivities. The problem is more acute on the plane, where there is nowhere for anyone to go.

    In an ideal world we would all respect the social contract, but clearly that isn't happening.

    In that case, it's incumbent on airports and airlines to set and enforce policies. Signage at airports and a pre-departure announcement would at least put people on notice that this behavior...

    This is a real issue - particularly for those with noise sensitivities. The problem is more acute on the plane, where there is nowhere for anyone to go.

    In an ideal world we would all respect the social contract, but clearly that isn't happening.

    In that case, it's incumbent on airports and airlines to set and enforce policies. Signage at airports and a pre-departure announcement would at least put people on notice that this behavior isn't welcome. It also gives people a leg to stand on if they choose to approach a fellow traveler.

  123. Reyyan Diamond

    I'll be a straight up Karen if someone is blasting audio without headphones. I don't mind taking one for the team.

    1. D3kingg Guest

      @Reyyan

      Yes ! The responses on here and this article are pathetic.

    2. Ewc Guest

      That's a good way to become the subject of a viral video if the person you're confronting is of a certain demographic.

      Personally I wouldn't risk it.

  124. Chris Guest

    I had to LOL at the "it seems to be much worse in Miami" because every selfish character flaw seems to flourish in Miami. I was in the United Club in Honolulu a few weeks ago and someone was watching Tucker Carlson without headphones and a woman across the room quietly asked him if he had headphones and would mind wearing them. The headphone-less guy proceeded to yell at this woman and tell her how...

    I had to LOL at the "it seems to be much worse in Miami" because every selfish character flaw seems to flourish in Miami. I was in the United Club in Honolulu a few weeks ago and someone was watching Tucker Carlson without headphones and a woman across the room quietly asked him if he had headphones and would mind wearing them. The headphone-less guy proceeded to yell at this woman and tell her how rude she was coming into his personal space making requests. It was the most entertaining thing I've seen in awhile.

    My last several flights have been encumbered with people using the lounge as their personal Zoom conference call center. "Is Mike On?" "Hey Janet, I'm about to catch a flight but I wanted to circle back on..." There's a special place in hell for these people.

  125. Anthony Diamond

    I've noticed this more the past two years or so. In some situations it seems like a generational/cultural thing. Sometimes confronting people about this sort of thing can lead to escalation. Tough issue. For the most part, it's a few minutes of annoyance, so I don't get bothered too much.

    1. Dempseyzdad Diamond

      It does often get confrontational...same when you call out anyone who is doing something wrong or against the rules. They *know* they're in the wrong and don't like being called out on it. People who truly don't realize will more likely apologize and correct themselves...people who know they're wrong lash out.

  126. OneAlphaTwo Gold

    Since it appears (for once) that we’re pretty much in unanimous agreement on this topic, I think it’s incumbent upon all of us to politely confront these individuals when we see this behavior. Most people will just shoot dirty looks, but never say anything because they’re afraid of confrontation, but it can (and should) be done in a civil manner. All it takes is for one person with the courage to stand up to said...

    Since it appears (for once) that we’re pretty much in unanimous agreement on this topic, I think it’s incumbent upon all of us to politely confront these individuals when we see this behavior. Most people will just shoot dirty looks, but never say anything because they’re afraid of confrontation, but it can (and should) be done in a civil manner. All it takes is for one person with the courage to stand up to said individual and, if there is push back, it usually emboldens others to join in and convey the message that this is not polite or acceptable in public.

    1. D3kingg Guest

      @OneAlphaTwo

      Be polite but firm when confronting them and making the request. You don’t want to come off as nice or weak.

    2. OneAlphaTwo Gold

      Oh yes…that was implied, but I completely agree. I think it’s a cultural thing in America (especially certain regions) to confuse politeness with firmness. It can be both.

  127. Erica T Guest

    If I can't leave the space I politely ask the person to use headphones. 9/10 times they apologize and use them. Kindly asking another human for something you need is not a confrontation. They can always say no, and if they react badly (hasn't happened) I would remind them of that. If I can leave the space I'll do that because then I'm asking someone for a convenience, not a need.

    I used to offer...

    If I can't leave the space I politely ask the person to use headphones. 9/10 times they apologize and use them. Kindly asking another human for something you need is not a confrontation. They can always say no, and if they react badly (hasn't happened) I would remind them of that. If I can leave the space I'll do that because then I'm asking someone for a convenience, not a need.

    I used to offer cheap headphones if needed, but phones don't have headphone jacks anymore so that doesn't work.

  128. Patrick Guest

    Even SWA knows better than to allow it and makes a predeparture announcement to use headphones.

    1. AA70 Diamond

      In fairness the typical southwest passenger probably needs that announcement.

  129. Carlos Guest

    In a recent SWA flight a person next to me was playing some game. I asked him to put headphones or turn down the sound and he said he didn’t have headphones. I said, then turn the sound off. He said no, so I called the FA who quickly told him to turn the sound off and made a PSA saying that every one should keep their sounds to themselves. I’ve also heard FAs make the same announcement in other SWA flights afterwards.

  130. Rob Guest

    I carry an extra $5 wired earbuds in my bag and offer them as a gift. Usually gets the point across.

    1. DuaneU2 Gold

      What if they have an iPhone? There's no headphone jack. Do you offer a lightning port adapter as well?

    2. Mira Guest

      Hi Ben,

      I totally agree with your annoyance with this kind of behavior! In China it's unfortunately extremely common, especially with elderly people, to play videos at full volume. People either don't like to use headphones (like it's their own private space) or don't think it's a big deal. Thankfully less common on airplanes where it's more younger people who tend to use headphones.

  131. Nikojas Guest

    Totally agree with you Lucky. I also hate confrontation so as well as being angry at the selfish idiot I get angry with myself for not saying anything. You have no idea how people will react, I'm not getting assaulted over headphones or lack thereof.

  132. brianna hoffner Gold

    Just got off of Singapore-JFK flight and it took three of us confronting the bougie grandma blasting videos from her phone to stop. She seemed genuine shocked that this loud noise coming out of her phone might be bothering the people around her trying to sleep.

  133. Brian Guest

    This bothers me intensely and I have trouble not saying something. I don’t want to be the bigger @$$, so I carry many pairs of backup headphones - some airplane ones, some starting to fray, etc. I very politely ask if they would like to “borrow” my spare, which I’m holding out to them. 95% of the time, it’s well received like I’m extending a kindness to them. Most of the time, they actually have...

    This bothers me intensely and I have trouble not saying something. I don’t want to be the bigger @$$, so I carry many pairs of backup headphones - some airplane ones, some starting to fray, etc. I very politely ask if they would like to “borrow” my spare, which I’m holding out to them. 95% of the time, it’s well received like I’m extending a kindness to them. Most of the time, they actually have them and start to use their own. But if they don’t, I have RCA plugs and Lightening plugs so I can accommodate whatever they need.

    Some of this is cultural as this behavior is not considered rude some places.

  134. Hilton Guest

    Agree 100% - I’ve asked a few people on flights to please put on heaphones and they all responded that they didn’t have any with them. Unfortunately you can’t goive them the cheap ones that airlines used to give out, because most phones no longer have headphone jacks and rely on bluetooth. The latest AirPod Pro’s noise canceling is way better than the first generation and since I upgraded I no longer have to deal with this nuisance.

  135. Rob Guest

    One of the most satisfying moments of my life was just before the pandemic. I was flying QR and in the Al Safwa lounge at DOH. A man, who seemed to be a “local,” was blasting some YouTube video at full blast at the dining area by the bar. Anyone who’s been to AS knows the lounge has almost a museum like atmosphere to it, so his video was echoing out and ruining the calm...

    One of the most satisfying moments of my life was just before the pandemic. I was flying QR and in the Al Safwa lounge at DOH. A man, who seemed to be a “local,” was blasting some YouTube video at full blast at the dining area by the bar. Anyone who’s been to AS knows the lounge has almost a museum like atmosphere to it, so his video was echoing out and ruining the calm vibe. Also, anyone who’s flown QR knows staff are utterly subservient to “locals” and will at times let them get away with anything. Suddenly, al elderly man (whom I’m assuming was German due to his accent) who was sitting in the next booth, approached our rude gentleman and in the most stern manner said “if you can afford to be in this space, you can afford headphones. Have some respect.” The man was utterly shocked and after 30 seconds proceeded to stop his video, get up and leave (with his half eaten shakshouka still on the table). All of us in the dining area looked at eachother and gave the German man a nod of approval and admiration. Amazing!

  136. RCB Guest

    I was at my bank branch yesterday waiting to sign some papers and someone walked in with their phone blaring music. The teller and I gave each other a "WTF?!?!?" look and luckily it stopped after a minute or so because I wouldn't have been able to deal with it longer than that.

  137. Advice Guest

    FWIW, here are the "House rules" from the AA lounge website:

    During your visit to an Admirals Club lounge, American requires that your attire and conduct are consistent with a professional environment.
    American asks that you maintain a quiet environment within each Admirals Club lounge and to step outside with any crying or disruptive children or guests.
    As a courtesy to other guests, please wear headphones when using personal devices such as MP3...

    FWIW, here are the "House rules" from the AA lounge website:

    During your visit to an Admirals Club lounge, American requires that your attire and conduct are consistent with a professional environment.
    American asks that you maintain a quiet environment within each Admirals Club lounge and to step outside with any crying or disruptive children or guests.
    As a courtesy to other guests, please wear headphones when using personal devices such as MP3 players, video games, or DVD players, and refrain from using the speaker feature on any personal device, including cellular telephones.

  138. digital_notmad Diamond

    100% in agreement. This is unacceptable, deranged behavior. Honestly, I do usually end up moving away or playing music on my QCIIs, though I appreciate the strategy of one Flyertalker who, for video calls, will hold his phone to his ear, move closer to the video caller, and begin loudly conversing about more creative forms of physical intimacy.

  139. Chris Guest

    This is my number 1 pet peeve and its absolutely becoming more common. I find it's either older people, who don't know they are being loud and rude, or young (highschool and younger) who don't give a damn.

    Theres a growing number of people who have no respect over strangers in public spaces, and it's a scary problem. Whenever I hear someone being loud on the phone, I always imagine, if EVERYONE on the...

    This is my number 1 pet peeve and its absolutely becoming more common. I find it's either older people, who don't know they are being loud and rude, or young (highschool and younger) who don't give a damn.

    Theres a growing number of people who have no respect over strangers in public spaces, and it's a scary problem. Whenever I hear someone being loud on the phone, I always imagine, if EVERYONE on the plane did that exact same thing how crazy it would be.

    That being said, confronting these people will almost never result in a positive situation, and it's best to ignore and turn up your own music.

  140. Advice Guest

    This happens everywhere. SFLa is not unique, but perhaps has more vacationers, so it may seem unique.

    The two options I use (well, I use one, and I aspire to use the other):

    1. Politely ask the person, after the airplane door is closed, by saying "Headphones are required." (Pointing to ear while doing so). Most people are super helpful. If necessary, I will walk to find an FA, and then I will ask that...

    This happens everywhere. SFLa is not unique, but perhaps has more vacationers, so it may seem unique.

    The two options I use (well, I use one, and I aspire to use the other):

    1. Politely ask the person, after the airplane door is closed, by saying "Headphones are required." (Pointing to ear while doing so). Most people are super helpful. If necessary, I will walk to find an FA, and then I will ask that person for help. They have almost always helped. Everyone else on the plane is thinking the same thing you are.
    2. Play a really dirty rap song (purely because it's loud and the words can be super objectionable and simultaneously understandable) and that might do the trick (and cause a scene). This is not a great way to go, but it is an option. Heck, depending on the song, I might even like the music being blared, so this could boomerang if you are not careful.

  141. Raylan Guest

    The literal one time where it's acceptable is when a parent is using a device with sound on to calm a melting down child. I'd much rather hear cocomelon or whatever than a screaming child. Anyone else? Grow up and put on headphones. Too many people now days have main character syndrome where they think the world revolves around them.

    1. Hank Guest

      Screaming is the lesser of two evils - at least for me.

    2. Mike1977 Guest

      I disagree. The noise that comes from those kids videos is terrible. I’d rather hear screaming.

  142. BuiltInYorkshire Guest

    I had this on a train ride last month. Fortunately it wasn't too long to endure but, as this was England, there was just a lot of tutting and slow shaking of heads. Somebody did say something when we were getting off and the offender just said something like "it's because I'm autistic". Not much you can say to that without looking like a dick...

  143. david Guest

    Lucky, I agree with you completely. It's amazing how selfish and inconsiderate some people are.

  144. Fred Guest

    If it's in the lounge or in the terminal simple: start a loud fake confcall very near the offender until he stops.
    I did that several times and it works.

  145. powder hound Guest

    Recently in the KLM lounge at SFO, a guy was watching something on his tablet with the volume up all the way. I was about to use the bathroom, so I "sat on a duck" right in the guy's face and looked him dead in the eyes immediately afterwards. He figured it out after that. I don't think anyone else was subjected to the scent, for the record.

  146. sean Guest

    I disagree with the people saying "let it go." If I'm waiting at a gate and someone is being an @$$hole watching someone or on Facetime in speaker mode, then yes, try to find another space. But when I was on Amtrak between NY-BOS last year someone started watching a movie at almost full blast. After giving them 10 mins, I told myself I wasn't going through a 3 hour train ride like this. I...

    I disagree with the people saying "let it go." If I'm waiting at a gate and someone is being an @$$hole watching someone or on Facetime in speaker mode, then yes, try to find another space. But when I was on Amtrak between NY-BOS last year someone started watching a movie at almost full blast. After giving them 10 mins, I told myself I wasn't going through a 3 hour train ride like this. I walked back and it turned out it was a woman who had her earbuds in and didn't realize the audio was going via speaker. I politely told her it was going via speaker and was really loud and even offered to let her have an extra pair of earphones (the crappy ones airlines give you). She was super embarrassed and declined, saying her daughter told her she paired the earbuds for her before her trip. She turned off her tablet and read the entire train ride instead.

    Anyway, long story short, while there are plenty of jerks who don't care--and others who blindly let their kids blast stuff on speaker who are even worse (IMO)--some people don't realize what they're doing.

    FWIW, there was an older couple sitting across and a row behind me when I went to confront the person on the train. Later, when I came back from getting a drink, they complimented how I handled that and said they too would've "lost their minds" if the entire train car had to listen to the woman's movie.

    1. reddargon Diamond

      I don't see a single response here where someone says to "let it go" (granted there are only seven responses). That being said I agree with you, when people do this it's completely ridiculous and inappropriate.

    2. Alonzo Diamond

      I'm not saying you're wrong. But from someone who lived in Harlem for 13 years, just remember, there ain't no security check before boarding Amtrak. That lady didn't notice her headphones weren't paired properly. That same woman could have shot you. Never know how someone will take the most simple request or confrontation, at any time or any place.

    3. Todd Diamond

      "That same woman could have shot you"

      This has got to be the most American statement I've ever read. EVER.

      So sad you actually have to consider that in your day-to-day life in the US.

  147. JakePB Guest

    Agree 100%. I've only once said something, and it was to lounge personnel in PHX. One time I took a couple's photo thinking I'd shame them online (flt on AA) but didn't bother. Ultimately, people that obnoxious and self-involved won't see the error of their ways.

  148. George N Romey Guest

    Just another example of where society is headed.

  149. pstm91 Diamond

    Certainly a problem everywhere. Here in NY it's really bad, especially walking around and in the subway. It never ceases to amaze me how clueless people are or that they truly don't care.
    I also had this in a lounge at LAX just a few weeks ago. A guy was watching a game on full blast and another guy asked (very politely) asked if he would please put headphones on and the guy complied....

    Certainly a problem everywhere. Here in NY it's really bad, especially walking around and in the subway. It never ceases to amaze me how clueless people are or that they truly don't care.
    I also had this in a lounge at LAX just a few weeks ago. A guy was watching a game on full blast and another guy asked (very politely) asked if he would please put headphones on and the guy complied. And that begged the question - he had headphones the entire time, why was he not using them!?! It's one of the ultimate selfish moves.
    I also think social media has given people a weirdly inflated ego, causing people to not care about others or have situational awareness, but that's a rant for another time.

  150. JS Guest

    Lucky - I am 100% with you on this one. The one that absolutely gets me are the people who feel like it's OK to talk so loud on your cell phone in airlines lounges that everyone in the lounge can hear you. Why do you do this?? Do you have no respect for those around you? NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR SALES CALL, NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOU CALLING YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER OR MOTHER OR...

    Lucky - I am 100% with you on this one. The one that absolutely gets me are the people who feel like it's OK to talk so loud on your cell phone in airlines lounges that everyone in the lounge can hear you. Why do you do this?? Do you have no respect for those around you? NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOUR SALES CALL, NOBODY CARES ABOUT YOU CALLING YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER OR MOTHER OR FATHER TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU MADE IT TO THE AIRPORT AND MADE IT TO THE LOUNGE, NOBODY CARES PERIOD!!!! Yeah - you can talk on your cell phone but do it discreetly and use your inside voice children!! PLEASE!!

  151. AA FA Guest

    Please please please let your flight attendant know. There is literally nothing that bugs me more than people (and their children) not wearing headphones.

    It is explicitly stated on our seatback entertainment card that you must wear headphones AND I make an announcement after the safety demo that it’s required. That still doesn’t stop people from arguing about it.

  152. Alonzo Diamond

    Speak phone is the new headphones. Drives me nuts too, but don't say anything. Never know what the outcome could be in today's society. Just walk away or put your own headphones on.

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TimS Guest

As a flight attendant for a major airline, I can tell you I will say something to the passengers who don't use headphones. I also carry extra ear buds in case they dont bring theirs. I encourage passengers who are disturbed by excess noise from their fellow passengers to simply ring their call button, we will take care of the problem. Passenger confrontation is not necessary.

6
Mike1977 Guest

I disagree. The noise that comes from those kids videos is terrible. I’d rather hear screaming.

5
Rob Guest

One of the most satisfying moments of my life was just before the pandemic. I was flying QR and in the Al Safwa lounge at DOH. A man, who seemed to be a “local,” was blasting some YouTube video at full blast at the dining area by the bar. Anyone who’s been to AS knows the lounge has almost a museum like atmosphere to it, so his video was echoing out and ruining the calm vibe. Also, anyone who’s flown QR knows staff are utterly subservient to “locals” and will at times let them get away with anything. Suddenly, al elderly man (whom I’m assuming was German due to his accent) who was sitting in the next booth, approached our rude gentleman and in the most stern manner said “if you can afford to be in this space, you can afford headphones. Have some respect.” The man was utterly shocked and after 30 seconds proceeded to stop his video, get up and leave (with his half eaten shakshouka still on the table). All of us in the dining area looked at eachother and gave the German man a nod of approval and admiration. Amazing!

5
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