Overview
- Southwest moved first after viral May incidents with robots called Stewie and Bebop that raised questions about seating and batteries and prompted an industry review of how to handle these devices.
- United issued a companywide ban that took effect July 23, 2026, saying humanoid and animal‑like robots are not permitted in cabins or checked baggage because their batteries often exceed accepted safety limits.
- Delta has published a temporary policy that likewise bars robots designed to resemble humans or animals from cabin and checked travel and specifies that current models are not treated as assistive devices.
- Airlines point to clear technical problems: large integrated lithium‑ion packs can exceed the 100 watt‑hour passenger limit, a heavy articulated machine can become a projectile, motors could activate accidentally, and unusual shapes complicate screening and stowage.
- The rules leave open thorny issues about future assistive robots that perform disability functions and create a contrast with carriers such as Japan Airlines and Aeroflot that are testing humanoid robots for ground and service roles.