Robot passenger causes flight delay in California
upi.com • • business
Key Points:
- A Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to San Diego was delayed over an hour due to a 4-foot, 70-pound robot named Bebop traveling as a passenger.
- The initial delay occurred because Bebop occupied an aisle seat, violating the airline's policy on large carry-on items, prompting its move to a window seat.
- Further delays arose when airline staff questioned the robot's lithium battery, which exceeded the maximum size allowed by Southwest Airlines.
- The flight was able to depart only after Bebop's battery was removed and confiscated, resulting in a departure delay of one hour and two minutes.
- Elite Event Robotics plans to continue flying Bebop on commercial flights but without its batteries installed to comply with airline regulations.
