SOUTHWEST AIRLINES BANS HUMANOID AND ANIMAL-LIKE ROBOTS FROM FLIGHTS AND CHECKED BAGGAGE UNDER UPDATED SAFETY POLICY. (PHOTO).

 Southwest Airlines bans humanoid and animal-like robots from flights and checked baggage under updated safety policy

Southwest Airlines has updated its transportation policy to prohibit passengers from bringing humanoid or animal-like robots on board flights or checking them as luggage, citing safety concerns tied to lithium-ion batteries commonly used in such devices. The airline said these batteries, which are also found in items like portable chargers and power banks, can pose a fire risk in flight, prompting the broader restriction on robots designed to resemble humans or animals.

Under the revised rules, humanoid robots—defined as machines designed to imitate human appearance, movement, or behavior—and animal-like robots designed to mimic animals are no longer allowed in the cabin or in checked baggage, regardless of size or purpose. The airline added that other robotic devices, including toys, may still be transported if they fit within standard carry-on size limits and comply with existing battery safety requirements.

The policy change comes after a passenger brought a humanoid robot named “Stewie” on a flight from Las Vegas to Dallas after purchasing a ticket for it. The robot, linked to a Dallas-based company that rents robotic systems for events such as weddings and conferences, drew attention from passengers and crew during the trip.

An airline spokesperson said the update was not prompted by any single incident and confirmed it took effect last week. The change also follows a small number of recent disruptions involving robots on flights, including at least one case in which a Southwest flight was delayed due to a robotic device onboard.