Southwest Airlines bans humanoid, animal-like robots from flights

Southwest Airlines has updated its travel policy to prohibit passengers from bringing humanoid or animal-like robots onto flights, either in the cabin or as checked baggage.

The Dallas-based airline said the restriction applies “regardless of size or purpose,” according to a newly issued policy clarification.

A “human-like robot” is defined by Southwest as a robot designed to resemble or imitate a human in its appearance, movement or behavior. An “animal-like robot” is similarly defined as a robot designed to imitate an animal.

The airline added that all other robots, including toys, are still permitted if they fit inside a carry-on-size bag and comply with existing battery restrictions.

USA TODAY has contacted Southwest Airlines for additional comment on the policy.

Viral robot flight drew national attention

The policy change follows a recent viral incident involving a humanoid robot named Stewie that traveled aboard a Southwest flight from Las Vegas to Dallas.

According to CBS News Texas, Stewie’s owner, Dallas entrepreneur Aaron Mehdizadeh, bought the 3.5-foot robot its own seat instead of shipping it as cargo. Mehdizadeh owns The Robot Studio, which rents humanoid robots for events.

To comply with airport security requirements, the robot was fitted with a smaller battery before boarding. Stewie later walked through the airport and onto the plane, drawing attention from passengers and flight attendants.

“Most people were very excited to see a robot flying and (it) provided so much entertainment,” Mehdizadeh told CBS News Texas.

The robot, speaking through a programmed voice, joked that it had “the perfect window seat” while passengers snapped selfies during the flight.

Safety concerns tied to lithium-ion batteries

Southwest said the updated policy is tied to concerns surrounding lithium-ion batteries commonly used in robots.

According to NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, airline employees were initially unsure how to handle the robot onboard because it effectively counted as a carry-on item and could not remain in a passenger seat.

The airline ultimately moved the robot to a window seat and removed its battery before the flight continued to Dallas.

Southwest told CBS News Texas that the policy clarification was made to ensure compliance with lithium-ion battery safety guidelines. Lithium-ion batteries have previously caused onboard fires, including one incident that resulted in an emergency landing in San Diego.

Mehdizadeh disputed the airline’s reasoning, telling CBS News Texas that the battery used in Stewie was comparable to one found in a laptop.

“It’s not a battery policy because the battery we used is essentially a laptop battery,” he said.

Despite the new restriction, Mehdizadeh said he hopes Southwest eventually reconsiders the ban and, in the future, allows humanoid robots on board if they meet safety standards.

Stewie also offered a tongue-in-cheek reaction to the policy shift, telling CBS News Texas: “My dreams got clipped faster than a bad haircut.”

Reporter Anthony Thompson can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @athompsonUSAT