United Airlines has joined Delta in prohibiting humanoid and animal-like robots from its flights, whether carried on as hand luggage, packed in checked bags, or shipped as cargo. United’s updated policy took effect July 23 and cites safety concerns tied to the lithium batteries and complex electronics that power these devices, hardware the airline says closely resembles battery types already restricted on board.
The move follows Southwest Airlines, which introduced a similar rule in May after a 3.5-foot robot named Stewie was booked into its own seat for a flight between Las Vegas and Dallas Love Field. Stewie walked through the terminal, boarded like a paying passenger, and became a minor social media sensation, prompting airline safety teams to take a closer look at how humanoid devices should be classified for travel.
Airlines say the concern isn’t novelty seating but battery safety: humanoid robots typically pack larger lithium-ion cells than phones or laptops, and their complex internal wiring makes it harder to assess fire risk using standard passenger-electronics screening. Smaller robotic devices that meet existing battery and baggage size rules remain generally permitted, so the bans specifically target human- and animal-shaped machines rather than robotics broadly.
For now, travelers planning to bring a humanoid robot on a trip should check with their airline directly, since policies are shifting quickly and not every U.S. carrier has issued formal guidance yet. Those flying United or Delta should expect a robot to be turned away at the gate or baggage counter regardless of how it’s packed.
Sources: Simple Flying, CBS News
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