United and Delta are banning humanoid robots from flights

United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have banned humanoid and animal-like robots from both cabin seats and cargo holds, citing safety and lithium battery risks.

The policy shift follows Southwest Airlines’ earlier ban after a passenger flew a robot named Stewie with a custom battery pack near the legal limit.

The move shows airlines are tightening rules for battery-powered devices, which could limit how robotics products travel.

At the same time, Japan Airlines is testing robots for baggage handling at Haneda Airport to help address labor shortages.