United blocks AI agents from 5 booking tasks

United Airlines has blocked outside AI agents from 5 tasks on its website and app, the airline said on its help pages. Agents may not search, book, buy, manage trips or collect information for customers.

An AI agent is software that acts for a person online, such as booking a trip. United said the rule applies even when the customer gave the agent permission.

Why United says it acted

Agents with that much access could expose personal data or make bookings without approval, United said. It wants secure, approved links with AI firms first.

United said automatic check in by an agent could break federal aviation rules. A person must confirm that bags hold no banned items such as explosives.

What people can still do

Travellers can still use AI to research and plan trips, as long as the tool stays off United's site and app. Tools for customers with disabilities are not affected, United said.

Bookings that agents made before the 11th of November 2026 will not be cancelled, the airline said. It urged people to check those trips.

Travel agencies too

Travel agencies and booking sites may not use outside AI agents for United trips, the airline said. They need United's permission to use their own AI tools.

Below we break down the rule

United lists 5 blocked actions and 0 approved outside AI agents. That leaves all 5 actions closed to every outside agent, or 100 percent, by our arithmetic.

United said it will update its page if it starts working with outside AI agents.

Key facts

United bars outside AI agents from 5 tasks on its site and app.

The rule applies even if the customer approved the agent.

Agent bookings made before the 11th of November 2026 stay valid.

Tools for disabled customers are not affected.