US airlines ban humanoid robots on flights

In late July 2026, United Airlines announced a ban, effective July 23, on passengers bringing humanoid or animal-like robots onto its aircraft, whether in the cabin or as checked baggage. The policy follows a similar restriction that Delta Air Lines had implemented on June 18, and both carriers cite safety concerns over the lithium-ion batteries powering many of these devices, which could pose fire risks. The bans also reference earlier incidents involving robots such as “Stewie” and “Bebop” that caused operational delays, prompting Southwest Airlines to prohibit such robots in May.

Both United and Delta permit small robot toys that meet standard size, weight and battery regulations, while continuing to evaluate safe transport methods for other automated devices. The bans apply to any robot that imitates human or animal appearance, movement, or behavior, regardless of size.

On August 17, 2026, American Airlines joined these carriers by implementing its own policy banning large human- and animal-like robots from domestic and international flights. American Airlines stated that these machines are prohibited from overhead bins, purchased seats, or checked baggage due to concerns regarding their size, design, capabilities, and large lithium-ion batteries. While the airline reported no known incidents, staff are instructed to deny boarding to passengers carrying such robots or to treat them as undeclared dangerous goods if discovered after check-in. The move follows industry-wide trends, including a specific incident involving a 75-pound humanoid robot traveling in a purchased seat on Southwest.