One signal

United Airlines is blocking unauthorised AI agents from using its website, app and other platforms to book or manage flights, the airline announced Wednesday. It says the move is intended to protect customers’ account information and prevent unintended purchases or changes.

The Independent reports that United can distinguish bookings made by travellers, travel agencies and AI assistants. The airline also says passengers must personally confirm that checked bags contain no prohibited items, a step an automated agent should not handle. For travellers, the practical line is clear: use United’s own channels to book and manage flights, and do not hand an outside assistant your account credentials. The rule puts a boundary around what an AI travel agent can do, even as airlines decide how much of the booking process they are willing to automate.

Discuss: Should airlines be able to block third-party AI agents from booking on their platforms, or should customers be free to choose their own booking assistant?

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