Hm, so the universally cited rule that you must "follow crewmember instructions", at least for US Flag Carriers, is codified in 14 CFR 121.317(k):

"(k) Each passenger shall comply with instructions given him or her by a crewmember regarding compliance with paragraphs (f), (g), (h), and (l) of this section."

f, g, h, i are about fastening safety belts and smoking. My reading of some cases suggests that appeals courts have ruled in favor of the airlines whenever a passenger fails to follow a rule related to safety (such as blocking the aisles, etc), so I think that it's safe to say that broadly speaking you have to follow all crewmember instructions related to safety.

I think though, it would be hard to sell a missing headphone as safety related. I doubt the FAs have any authority under any CFR to search your bags.

But then airline CoCs usually require that you follow all crewmember instructions, usually under some "acceptance of passengers" provision. So I guess they could blacklist you on future flights.


I think really though, AA needs to rethink its stupid headphone policy. It's really annoying and kills the "premium" experience. I mean none of the other airlines I've been on do this...