United Airlines has banned unauthorized third-party artificial intelligence agents from booking, changing or managing flights under new rules announced November 11, 2026, giving the carrier grounds to cancel reservations made through the automated tools.
The airline revised its Contract of Carriage to prohibit AI agents from purchasing tickets and other services, even when passengers supervise or approve the transactions. Under the updated terms, United can cancel reservations made or modified through the tools without notice. Its prohibited ticketing rules also provide for additional penalties, including invalidated tickets and restrictions on future travel.
The restrictions extend beyond United's website and mobile app to travel agencies and third-party booking platforms. Automated assistants must receive the airline's authorization before conducting transactions involving its flights, including seat selections, upgrades and other purchases.
United cited risks to customer accounts, payment information and frequent-flyer miles. Giving AI assistants access to personal accounts could result in unintended purchases, reservation changes or unauthorized use of MileagePlus miles, the company warned.
Federal aviation requirements also played a role in the decision. During flight check-in, passengers must personally acknowledge certain safety information, including restrictions on explosives and other prohibited materials in baggage. The carrier said AI agents completing those acknowledgments on a traveler's behalf could violate Federal Aviation Administration and Department of Transportation regulations.
Travelers can still use AI tools to research destinations and compare flight prices. The new contract provisions target unauthorized automated transactions, requiring passengers to complete purchases and reservation changes through approved channels.
Bookings completed by AI agents before November 11 will be honored, according to the airline. United also plans to update its Digital Trust Center with guidance on protecting customer accounts and addressing unintended actions taken by automated assistants.
Competing airlines have adopted different approaches. Delta Air Lines allows certain AI assistants to complete reservations when passenger credentials can be authenticated, subject to additional security safeguards. American Airlines has also confirmed that some AI tools can facilitate ticket purchases while it continues monitoring automated activity across its platforms.
Southwest Airlines, meanwhile, has made its flight inventory available through ChatGPT, allowing travelers to explore flight options before completing purchases through the airline's booking system.
United's distribution rules also require travel agencies and booking platforms to obtain express written consent before using AI agents to search, display, book or service its flights. Violations can result in the loss of authorization to issue United tickets.
The carrier has yet to announce any authorization agreements for AI-assisted bookings. Its updated rules allow approved arrangements in the future as airlines and technology companies develop new ways for automated assistants to handle travel purchases.
