February 25, 2026 | 04:55 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Travelers often seek entertainment during long flights, either by using their phones or tablets to listen to music or watch movies. However, passengers in India are concerned about people playing music and other media at high volumes without using headphones on airplanes.
Indian Minister of State for Civil Aviation, Murlidar Mohol, has stated that passengers who play music or media at high volume on airplanes (whether on their phones or other electronic devices) may face criminal action if their behavior is deemed disruptive, as reported by Travel and Leisure Asia.
Although there is no law specifically targeting loud music on flights, the advisory aligns with the Civil Aviation Requirements under the Aircraft Rules of 1937, which were issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). These requirements govern unlawful or disorderly behavior on board aircraft.
Among them, according to Rule 22, airlines have the right to refuse to carry or offload any passenger whose behavior is deemed inappropriate or unsafe. Rule 23 grants the duty pilot the right to restrain any passenger whose actions/behavior endanger the safety or discipline on the aircraft.
Meanwhile, Rule 29 outlines sanctions for passengers who fail to comply with these regulations.
This warning specifically applies to personal devices used without headphones or earphones, but not to soft instrumental music played by airlines during take-off and landing, or entertainment provided by the in-flight entertainment system officially regulated.
Mohol not only highlights the issue of playing loud music on airplanes, but also emphasizes the restrictions on vlogging and photography. According to Rule 13 of the Aircraft Rules, photography at licensed DGCA airports and from flying aircraft is prohibited without prior written permission.
Guidelines for Travelers
While in-flight entertainment is important for travelers, it is crucial to consider the potential impact on others. Follow these tips to ensure a smooth journey and avoid discomfort.
Whether watching movies, listening to music, or playing games, always use headphones during flights. This ensures that other passengers are not disturbed. It is also important to understand the limited personal space on flights. Keep the music volume reasonable and be aware of your surroundings. This helps to maintain a quiet environment and ensures a more enjoyable flight for everyone.
Adhere to Airline Regulations
Each airline has specific policies regarding passenger behavior. Make sure to understand the airline's regulations, as non-compliance can result in penalties or even being offloaded from the flight. According to Travel and Tour World, some airlines, such as Air India, have strict policies for passengers who do not follow the rules. Passengers are also advised to keep device volumes low unless using headphones.
Emirates has introduced an on-board system that encourages passengers to either keep their devices on silent or use headphones. Similarly, Delta Air Lines and Qatar Airways prioritize passenger peace. Lufthansa, operating in Europe and North America, also enforces similar rules. These airlines encourage travelers to respect other passengers by using headphones when listening to music or watching movies.
Imanda Zahwa contributed to this article
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