(SitNews) Ketchikan, Alaska- Hoverboards, gliders, electric skateboards - whatever name they come by, you have probably seen and heard of them. These self-balancing devices are the year’s hottest electronics as people everywhere are snapping them up and buying them as presents for their loved ones. In fact, you probably know at least one person with a hoverboard on their Christmas list. As cool as they are, there’s one big problem: they are not safe to transport on an airplane.

Alaska Airlines announced hoverboards are NOT allowed
as checked luggage or as carry-on.

Hoverboard battery ratings are unreliable and have been known to catch fire, which makes them more concerning to transport on a plane. In some models, we’ve found that the batteries claimed to be under the legal limit, but upon examination, they actually exceeded what the FAA allows on a plane.

Today, Alaska Airlines announced they are joining other carriers in NOT allowing hoverboards as checked luggage or as carry-on. Hoverboards are usually powered by lithium ion batteries, which are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as hazardous materials. Quoting an Alaska Airlines news release, internal short-circuits can occur with lithium ion batteries, which can then lead to a “thermal runaway” where the battery overheats and bursts into flame.

“Here at Alaska, we love technology and we’re always looking for ways to innovate. However, there’s one thing we prioritize above all: safety. We never want to endanger you, your family and friends, or our employees,” said Chris Hjort, Alaska’s director of airport policy and procedures. “So we hope you understand when we ask you not to bring your battery-operated self-balancing device on your next flight.”

In exceptional cases, as in times when you require one of these items as a mobility aid, Alaska Airlines may allow you to bring your self-balancing device on board. However, these situations are very rare. See the assistive device section of Alaska Airlines' website or contact reservations at 1-800-ALASKAAIR for more information.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

On the Web:

FAA's Frequently Asked Questions -- Batteries Carried by Airline Passengers
Click Here (FAA site, PDF)

Source of News:

Alaska Airlines
www.alaskaair.com

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Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

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