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Southwest Airlines has banned all humanoid or animal-like robots from its flights, according to a new update on the carrier’s website.
The Dallas-based airline confirmed that these types of robots are now banned from both the cabin and the cargo hold, regardless of their size or intended use.
The carrier defines a “human-like robot” as any machine designed to imitate human appearance, movement or behavior. Similar definitions were applied to animal-like robots.
The policy change follows several incidents involving robots on Southwest flights that gained traction on social media.
In one instance, a flight departing from Oakland was delayed while crew members determined how to secure a robot. While the airline initially treated the machine as a carry-on item that could not occupy a seat, the flight eventually proceeded after the robot was moved to a window seat and its battery was removed.
A more recent case involved a 3.5-foot humanoid robot named “Stewie,” owned by Dallas entrepreneur Aaron Mehdizadeh.
As reported by CBS News Texas, Mehdizadeh purchased a separate seat for the robot for a flight from Las Vegas to Dallas rather than shipping it as freight.
“Most people were very excited to see a robot flying and [it] provided so much entertainment,” Mehdizadeh told the outlet. To meet security protocols, the robot was fitted with a smaller battery and filmed walking through the airport terminal.
Southwest has cited the lithium-ion batteries used to power such machines as a primary safety concern. According to the airline, these batteries have previously caused onboard fires, including one incident that resulted in an emergency landing in San Diego, NBC 5 Dallas reported.
Under the new guidelines, smaller robots and toys are still permitted on board, provided they fit within standard carry-on dimensions and adhere to existing hazardous materials regulations regarding battery size.
The airline’s updated baggage policy now explicitly states: “Southwest Airlines does not allow human-like or animal-like robots to be transported in the cabin or as checked baggage, regardless of size or purpose.”