Some people would rather sit by the bathroom than hear your playlist.
For most of us, a long flight or a bus ride is hard enough without being forced to listen to someone else’s playlist or phone call. In fact, 83% of Americans now consider headphones essential travel etiquette.
With public audio disturbances becoming a major irritant, it’s clear that the silent majority has had enough.
Public Audio Players Are Everywhere
Ever been stuck next to someone watching TikTok videos at full blast? You’re not alone. These days, it feels like public audio offenders are multiplying faster than streaming services.
Think about your last trip through an airport or your morning coffee run. Chances are, you’ve run into at least one person who thinks their phone doubles as a boombox.
A recent JBL survey backs this up: about 1 in 3 Americans (35%) admit they’ve played audio without headphones when they “really needed to.” Another 26% regularly do it but swear they keep the volume low (spoiler alert: it’s never as low as they think).
And then there’s the shameless 6% who just don’t care. They’ll blast their music or videos like they’re hosting a party, even when everyone around them is shooting death glares their way.
This disregard extends beyond just music or videos. Public spaces are plagued by people loudly taking speakerphone calls or conducting conference calls.
In fact, 24% of Americans find speakerphone calls to be a significant annoyance in airport restaurants, while conference calls in lounges irritate 19% of travelers.
The Silent Majority Has Had Enough
According to the JBL survey, the frustration with public audio has reached what 58% of Americans describe as “public crisis levels.”
Air travelers are especially done with the whole situation. They’ve ranked people who skip headphones right up there with crying babies and seat-kickers on the “please, not on my flight” list.
This has gotten so bad that 76% of Americans are practically begging for more “use headphones” signs in public spaces. (You know things are serious when people start asking for more rules and signs!)
The desperation for peace and quiet is real.
66% say they would even welcome airline staff stepping in when passengers play movies or music aloud. And, 72% think airlines should hand out free headphones because apparently, we need to bribe people to be considerate these days.
Interestingly, when choosing essential travel items, Americans prioritize the comfort of silence over traditional luxuries.
Headphones or earbuds have become a must-have travel item for 42% of Americans, eclipsing the demand for perks like extra legroom (11%) or even travel pillows (12%).
And the lengths people will go to dodge these noise-makers? It’s almost comical.
Picture this: 68% would rather take an aisle seat (hello, drink cart bumps), 33% would brave the responsibility of an emergency exit row, and 22% would actually choose to sit by the bathroom.
Meaning, people would rather smell bathroom freshener all flight than listen to someone’s TikTok feed.
Clearly, Americans aren’t just asking for quiet anymore. They’re willing to fight for it, one desperate seat choice at a time.
Why People Still Play Audio Publicly
We’ve all been that person who forgot their headphones and had to watch that super important video right then and there at least once. But, there are some people who intentionally avoid using headphones even when they need to.
The number one excuse? Fear of missing something important. And honestly, this one’s kind of fair.
Some travelers have, indeed, missed flights while wearing headphones. Many are concerned about not hearing vital boarding calls, meal announcements, or emergency instructions.
Travelers have shared stories on social media about almost missing flights while sitting right at the gate because they were lost in their own little world with their ANC headphones.
Again, that’s kind of fair. In a high-stress environment like an airport, missing these announcements can add unnecessary tension.
But, there are ways people could avoid these by using either transparency mode or using just one earbud at a time. So, it’s not fully excusable.
Then there’s the tech hassle.
Wireless headphones need charging (usually right when you don’t have a charger), and keeping track of those tiny earbuds can feel like a part-time job.
For these travelers, ditching headphones reduces anxiety, even if it means making a bit of public noise.
And then there are what other people like to call the “blasterbaters.” These are those who blatantly blast their music in public spaces like they’re doing everyone a favor.
But here’s the thing: whether you’re a forgetful headphone-leaver or someone who’s trying to save their wireless earbuds’ battery life, the numbers don’t lie.
That 83% of people saying headphones are a must for decent humans, isn’t just a random statistic. It’s a cry for peace and quiet from your fellow travelers.
After all, public spaces are like a shared apartment. We all have to live there temporarily, so maybe it’s time we started acting like considerate roommates.
A little mindfulness can ensure they remain enjoyable for all of us, whether we’re rushing through an airport or settling in for a cross-country flight.