Delta Air Lines announced it is banning hoverboards from flights over safety concerns Thursday.
In a section about restricted items on its website under the heading “Battery Powered Self-Balancing Personal Transportation Device,” the airline confirmed the devices would not be allowed on planes or in your luggage.
Delta said in a news release:
“Employee and passenger safety remains the airline’s top priority, driving Delta to disallow hoverboards and all lithium battery powered self-balancing personal transportation devices in carry-on and checked baggage effective Dec. 11.”
Officials said poorly labeled, powerful lithium-ion batteries powering the hoverboards are the issue.
Delta said it reviewed hoverboard product specifications and found that manufacturers do not consistently provide detail about the size or power of their lithium-ion batteries.
Hoverboard explodes at Washington mall.
Officials said Delta’s investigation revealed the devices often contain battery varieties above the government-mandated 160-watt hour limit permitted aboard aircraft.
Delta said, while occurrences are uncommon, these batteries can spontaneously overheat and pose a fire hazard risk.
Recent news stories support those concerns including a hoverboard that exploded at a Washington mall earlier this week and the hoverboard that burst into flames and burned down a Louisiana family’s home just before Thanksgiving.
