Love your hoverboard? Great, but don’t even think of taking it on your next flight
Your hoverboard may get you around cities but it’ll keep you off most U.S. airlines.
Those crazy-popular hoverboards that people are scooting around on are now banned on many airlines because the batteries could pose a fire risk.
On many airlines, they’re not allowed in checked luggage or in carry-on.
If you’re thinking of buying one as a Christmas gift and plan to take it on board, think again.
Delta and Alaska airlines on Thursday announced that the hot electronic device — also called gliders, self-balancing scooters or electric skateboards — aren’t allowed on their aircraft. Period.
Ditto for JetBlue, United, Virgin America and American (its policy goes into effect starting Saturday).
Hoverboard scooters are one of the hottest holiday gifts of 2015, but reports of battery fires and injuries are raising concerns with consumer safety advocates.
Southwest Airlines says it’s reviewing its policy on hoverboards but right now allows them as a carry-on item. If it’s too large, it may be put into checked luggage provided it can be protected from “accidental activation.” In both cases, the battery cannot exceed federal standards.
The airlines are concerned about the risk of a spontaneous fire caused by the lithium or lithium-ion batteries inside these devices.
“Internal short-circuits can occur with lithium ion batteries, which can then lead to a ‘thermal runaway’ in which the battery overheats and bursts into flame,” Alaska Airlines writes in a blog post.
Indeed, the Federal Aviation Administration regulates what types of batteries may be brought on board aircraft. Lithium ion batteries must be less than 160 watts to be brought on an aircraft. (Check out all FAA battery rules here.)
However mobility devices or other medical aids may be an exception.
Among foreign carriers, British Airways bans hoverboards too. In fact, Britain banned the use of hoverboards on public streets and roads throughout the country in October.
Bottom line: Contact the airline before you fly to see whether your device can be brought on board.
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