# United blocks AI agents from booking flights

> United Airlines will restrict artificial intelligence agents from booking flights, citing security risks and potential violations of federal aviation rules.
- Title: United blocks AI agents from booking flights · Engadget
- Summary: United Airlines will restrict artificial intelligence agents from booking flights, citing security risks and potential violations of federal aviation rules.
- Keywords: united airlines, ai agents, flight booking, security risks, agentic commerce, department of transportation, federal aviation administration, southwest, scott kirby, Engadget
- Source: Engadget — https://engadget.com/2314121/united-is-restricting-ai-agents-from-booking-flights
- Author: Ian Carlos Campbell
- Published: 2026-11-11T20:09:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: united airlines, ai agents, flight booking, security risks, agentic commerce, department of transportation, federal aviation administration, southwest, scott kirby, technology
## United restricts AI from booking
United Airlines announced it will change ticketing policies to restrict AI agents from booking flights through its website, third-party travel agencies and flight aggregators.
## Why United is blocking AI agents
United says giving AI agents payment details or login credentials exposes sensitive information and risks unintended purchases, account changes or misuse of MileagePlus miles.

> unintended purchases, account changes or use of MileagePlus miles
## United CEO opposes middleman role
United CEO Scott Kirby said at an event on Tuesday: "To be honest, I don't want to create another middleman." Southwest took a different approach, creating a plugin for ChatGPT flight bookings.

> To be honest, I don't want to create another middleman
## AI agents barely used for travel
Uber reported handling three hundred twenty million trips and deliveries during the week of Halloween.
## Key takeaway

United Airlines is blocking AI agents from booking flights over security concerns and potential breaches of Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration rules.