Delta, American and United Ban Hoverboards as fire danger. Do you have. or are you thinking about purchasing one? What are your thoughts?

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:17:37 -0500

The three largest U.S. airlines are banning hoverboards because of the potential fire danger from the lithium-ion batteries that power the devices.

Delta Air Lines, American Airlines and United Airlines said Thursday they are banning hoverboards in checked or carry-on luggage. JetBlue Airways has already prohibited them.

Hoverboards are motorized, two-wheel, skateboard-sized scooters that users stand on. They have been a hot gift item at some retailers

United said its ban took effect immediately, Delta's ban takes effect Friday, and American's on Saturday. Southwest Airlines prefers that passengers with a hoverboard or other items that use lithium batteries carry them on the plane, but a spokeswoman said the airline is discussing the topic further.

Several smaller airlines including Alaska, Virgin America, Hawaiian, Spirit and Allegiant said they too had banned hoverboards.

Delta said some hoverboards are poorly labeled and use batteries that exceed the wattage of batteries allowed on planes.

The Federal Aviation Administration has urged airlines to tell passengers not to pack spare batteries in checked bags because they can ignite and cause a fire in the cargo compartment. More than a dozen airlines around the world have stopped accepting bulk shipments of lithium-ion batteries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating at least 10 reports of hoverboard fires, some of which were captured on video.

Spokeswoman Patty Davis called it a high-priority investigation because of the scooter's sudden popularity.

"We know consumers are giving it as a gift during the holidays," she said. "We are working all across the country to move our investigation into the fires forward as quickly as possible."

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/delta-american-united-ban-hoverboards-fire-danger-n478366

Delta, American and United Ban Hoverboards as Fire Danger

The three largest U.S. airlines are banning hoverboards because of the potential fire danger from the lithium-ion batteries that power the devices.

Response by SGT David T. made Dec 11 at 2015 11:19 AM

SGT David T. — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:19:27 -0500

I would probably fall on my face or hit a wall if I attempted to ride one. I am not that coordinated lol

Response by SrA Johnathan Kropke made Dec 11 at 2015 11:23 AM

SrA Johnathan Kropke — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 11:23:36 -0500

Have you seen the price of these things?
On black Friday they were selling them at 20% off for $400-$500.

Me thinks not on that purchase.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Dec 11 at 2015 12:24 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 12:24:24 -0500

Why not just have them remove the battery?

Response by PO1 John Miller made Dec 12 at 2015 10:27 PM

PO1 John Miller — Sat, 12 Dec 2015 22:27:36 -0500

Honestly I haven't even heard of this item until you posted this story! Now that I know about it, if I ever do buy a hoverboard I just won't take it on an airplane with me, problem solved! :)