United Airlines announced on November 12, 2026 that it will stop personal AI assistants from booking tickets or changing reservations on behalf of customers. The airline says the move is meant to protect account data and keep passengers from accidentally breaking federal aviation rules. The restriction will be built into United’s website, mobile app and also enforced through travel agencies and fare‑aggregator sites.
The policy targets any external AI that uses a traveler’s login to act as a proxy. United warns that sharing passwords with such tools could leak personal details, trigger unauthorized purchases, or spend MileagePlus miles without the traveler’s consent. The carrier also notes that certain actions, like flight check‑in, require a human to confirm that luggage does not contain prohibited items—a step an AI cannot legally fulfill.
United’s statement follows a recent warning from banks, including Bank of America, which told customers not to give their credentials to AI assistants. The airline says it will update its Digital Trust Center with guidance on the new limits and how passengers can protect their accounts. United adds that it will keep reviewing how AI assistants interact with its services as the technology evolves.
What prompted the change?
Airlines and financial firms have been wrestling with the rise of autonomous assistants that can log in, search for deals, and even complete purchases. United’s chief security officer said the company saw a spike in attempts where AI bots accessed user accounts, raising the risk of credential theft and unintended bookings. The airline also cited potential conflicts with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) rules that require a person to acknowledge safety checks during check‑in.
Why it matters
Travelers can no longer rely on voice assistants or chatbots to book United flights, so they must log in themselves or use the United app. This reduces the chance of accidental ticket purchases and helps keep personal data safe, but it also limits the convenience that some AI tools previously offered.
