Posted on Dec 11, 2015
Delta, American and United Ban Hoverboards as fire danger. Do you have. or are you thinking about purchasing one? What are your thoughts?
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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 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
Posted 9 y ago
Responses: 4
MSgt Curtis Ellis
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! :)
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! :)
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MSgt Curtis Ellis
Sgt Kelli Mays I haven't seen one, and I'm not for sure, but I believe the battery is not removable. It's just a plug n charge... I'm not sure of this, just my thought as some have caught fire in use, while charging, etc
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Sgt Kelli Mays
MSgt Curtis Ellis - I have not seen one either. I wonder why they've caught fire? Lots of things have lithium batteries to include cell phone. Oh, well, maybe they'll figure it out.
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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.
On black Friday they were selling them at 20% off for $400-$500.
Me thinks not on that purchase.
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