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United Airlines has blocked third-party AI agents from booking flights on behalf of travelers, citing concerns about data security, privacy, and potential violations of federal aviation regulations.
The decision comes ahead of the busy holiday travel season, as AI-powered assistants increasingly take on tasks such as researching fares, planning trips and completing purchases.
The airline announced the restrictions on November 11, 2026, saying it would limit unauthorized AI agents from accessing its digital platforms, as well as travel agencies and aggregators that distribute its tickets.
United Airlines said sharing account credentials with personal, third-party AI assistants could expose sensitive customer information. It also warned that these tools could make unintended purchases, change account details, or use MileagePlus miles without authorization.
In its official statement, the airline said automated AI actions could also violate Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
The company cited flight check-in as an example, explaining that passengers must acknowledge that their checked baggage does not contain prohibited substances, including explosives.
The airline said it was updating its booking, ticketing, and distribution policies to address the use of unauthorized third-party AI agents.
The restrictions do not necessarily prevent travelers from using AI tools to research flights and compare prices. However, unauthorized agents will not be permitted to complete bookings through United Airlines' platforms.
The airline is also extending the restrictions to indirect distribution channels, including travel agencies and aggregators.
Bookings made through established travel platforms such as Kayak, Hopper and Google Flights are reported to remain unaffected. The airline also said it would honor bookings made by AI agents on customers' behalf before November 11.
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United's decision reflects a broader debate over how businesses should handle AI agents that can perform transactions independently.
Several companies across banking and retail have introduced restrictions on third-party AI tools over concerns about customer information, account access, and security.
Meanwhile, travel companies, including Expedia and Booking.com, have been exploring partnerships with OpenAI to make travel planning and booking more accessible through AI-powered platforms.
United said it would continue evaluating how personal AI assistants interact with its services, with customer data protection and safety remaining its priorities.