United Airlines Bans AI Agents from Booking Flights

United Airlines has restricted the use of third-party AI agents for purchasing airline tickets and managing bookings. The new terms of carriage were published on November 11, 2026, and apply to the website, app, and operations through travel agencies. The measures concern unauthorized assistants acting on behalf of passengers.

What actions are prohibited for AI agents

Clause 6.J.6 prohibits agents from issuing, changing, and servicing tickets, as well as purchasing additional services. The rule applies even when a passenger is observing the program and confirming each step. However, searching for flights and comparing fares are not included in the list of prohibited transactions: the client must complete the purchase themselves. The conditions also provide for the possibility of canceling a booking created or modified by such an agent.

Why the airline imposed restrictions

United explained the decision by the risks of transmitting account data to third-party services. According to the carrier, AI assistants may make unwanted purchases, change travel parameters, or spend MileagePlus miles. Particular concern is raised by aviation security requirements: during check-in, the passenger must personally confirm the absence of prohibited items in their luggage. The company believes that automatic confirmation of such information may contradict current regulations.

United intends to update recommendations for customers in the Digital Trust Center and review restrictions as technology develops. Bookings made with AI assistance before the rule change are not planned to be canceled for this reason. However, the carrier did not disclose the mechanism for detecting automated operations and the conditions for possible authorized access for AI services.