United Airlines announced on 11 November that third-party AI agents may no longer book flights on behalf of customers. The airline cites risks to passengers’ personal data and accounts, as well as US regulations: at check-in, for example, the traveller must personally confirm that their bags contain no prohibited items.
Bookings made by AI agents before 11 November will not be cancelled. Travellers can still use AI to search, but they must complete payment themselves.
Airlines are split. Delta allows bookings by authenticated AI assistants with extra safeguards, while Southwest has opened its availability inside ChatGPT.