Overview
- United made its restriction effective July 23 and Delta says its rule is temporary, with both barring human‑ or animal‑like robots from cabins and checked baggage.
- Airlines point to lithium‑ion battery rules and fire risk as the main reason, noting FAA passenger limits of about 100 watt‑hours for typical batteries and stricter controls above that level.
- Beyond batteries, carriers warn that heavy, articulated machines can become projectiles, accidentally activate motors, block aisles or complicate evacuation and stowage.
- Not every U.S. carrier has published a ban; American and some others had no formal prohibition at the time of reporting while Japan Airlines and Pobeda have continued trials or limited onboard uses.
- Airlines say they will revisit policies as technology and regulation evolve, but researchers and travelers who need robots for demonstrations or disability assistance face new transport and compliance hurdles.