Southwest Airlines Bans Human-Like and Animal-Like Robots from Flights
In this new world of AI, we're now used to seeing or hearing about robots and computers performing human tasks. What is not common, however, is seeing a human-like robot in the wild, going about its business the way an actual person would.
So it's not a surprise that when a robot named Bebop attempted to fly from Oakland to San Diego recently, its presence caused a delay as Southwest Airlines officials debated how to proceed with the 75-pound "creature" on board, eventually deciding to move Bebop from an aisle to a window seat and remove its battery before taking off.
Following the Bebop incident, Southwest has officially issued a decision on flying with human or-animal-like robots.
Robots now banned on Southwest flights
Moving forward, all "human-like or animal-like" robots are outright banned from being brought on a Southwest flight, the company said in a news release.
"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," the release says. "A "human‑like robot" is a robot designed to resemble or imitate a human in its appearance, movement, or behavior. An "animal-like robot" is a robot designed to resemble or imitate an animal in its appearance, movement, or behavior."
This all may sound absurd, but Southwest's reasoning makes sense
Bebop, who is able to dance and serve drinks, is manufactured by a company named Elite Event Robotics. The business rents out robots like Bebop for events.
The reason why Bebop caused so much consternation for Southwest staffers on the aforementioned April 30 flight is because of the size of the lithium-ion batteries used to power life-like robots. They can be a dangerous hazard, which is why last year, TSA announced a ban on including them in checked luggage.
"All other robots, including toys, must be able to fit within a carry-on size bag and comply with existing battery restrictions," Southwest declared.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 15, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 8:15 AM.