British Airways Bans Hoverboards

The holidays’ hottest gift is getting a bad reputation, after a number of incidents in which hoverboards’ lithium batteries spontaneously exploded and injured people. As the airlines wonder if it is safe to let them be transported on planes, British Airways has banned them from all of its flights.

Last week, the National Association of State Fire Marshalls put out an advisory saying that exploding hoverboards were “not a unique occurrence” and warned people about buying them. U.K. officials also seized more than 15,000 “unsafe” hoverboards that were reportedly in danger of overheating and catching fire.

“Safety and security is always our priority, and like many other airlines, due to safety concerns we cannot allow customers to carry these items as part of their hold or cabin luggage,” a spokesperson said.  

Other airline policies:
American Airlines allows people to carry their hoverboard on the plane but not check them in luggage.

Delta allows hoverboards to travel as carry-ons and in checked luggage as long as the battery meets the FAA guidelines.

JetBlue completely bans the devices from both carry-on and checked luggage.

Southwest also doesn’t allow them in either carry-on or checked luggage.

United allows them to be carried on and checked as long as they meet the FAA regulations.