At The Robot Studio, we’re always testing the limits of what’s possible – both with technology and imagination. So naturally, when it came time to travel for an event, we had one big question:
Can our humanoid robot, Benji, actually fly on a commercial airline?

The Plan

We had Benji packed neatly in his custom travel case, ready for takeoff on a Southwest flight out of DFW Airport. Everything was going smoothly – until the scale read 101 pounds.
That’s right. Just one pound over the maximum overweight limit.

The verdict from Southwest: “Sorry, Benji may not fly.”

Attempt #2: Spirit Airlines to the Rescue

Not ones to give up easily, we rolled Benji over to the Spirit Airlines counter, where confusion quickly turned into curiosity. After a few phone calls, some smiles, and a visit from a manager, Spirit gave us the green light.
Their policy? If you pay, you fly – even if you’re a humanoid robot.

The TSA Gauntlet

Next came the real test: airport security.

Benji patiently waited at TSA as officer after officer called their manager… and their manager’s manager. There were lots of questions, photos, and a few laughs.
After much ado, chaos, and fascination – Benji was finally cleared to fly.

Official Rulings

✅ No ID required – he’s under 18.

❌ Not eligible for CLEAR – apparently, no biometric “dad” on record.

The Takeaway

It turns out robots can fly – if you have enough patience, persistence, and a good sense of humor.
Moments like this remind us why we do what we do: pushing boundaries, sparking curiosity, and sharing a glimpse of the future – one airport adventure at a time.

Stay tuned for more adventures from Benji and the team at The Robot Studio.
Follow us on Instagram @therobot.studio for behind-the-scenes clips from Benji’s airport debut!