The three biggest U.S. airlines — Delta, American and United — announced they will ban hoverboards from planes. A U.S. agency is also investigating the devices.
Elaine Thompson / AP
Elaine Thompson / AP
Hoverboards, the electric-powered hands-free skateboards that have become one of the year's hottest holiday gifts, are apparently hotter in more ways than one after numerous reports of the devices spontaneously bursting into flames, even burning one family's house down.
In response Thursday, the three biggest U.S. airlines — Delta, American and United — announced they will ban the devices from carry-on and checked luggage, joining Jet Blue, British Airways, Hawaiian Airlines, Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, who had already instituted a ban.
Hoverboards are typically powered by lithium batteries, which have been known to overheat while charging, especially if they have a defect. Last month, a Louisiana family said their home was burned to the ground after a brand-new hoverboard exploded.
Delta said in a statement the lithium-ion batteries powering hoverboards are often mislabeled. "Delta reviewed hoverboard product specifications and found that manufacturers do not consistently provide detail about the size or power of their lithium-ion batteries."
The airlines added that the strength of the batteries "often" exceeded government mandated limits of 160 watt hour. "While occurrences are uncommon, these batteries can spontaneously overheat and pose a fire hazard risk," the statement said.
United said its policy is effective immediately; Delta said it will begin banning the devices on Friday; and American will implement its new policy starting on Saturday.
from BuzzFeed - USNews http://ift.tt/1M6dX3I
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