Can You Take a Hoverboard on a Plane? What You Need to Know

Hoverboards are not allowed on planes, whether as checked luggage or carry-on, due to the hazardous materials they contain. The lithium-ion batteries in hoverboards may catch fire if damaged or overheated, causing safety concerns for passengers and damaging the plane’s interior. Therefore, most major airlines, including United, Southwest, Turkish, Alaska, and American Airlines, prohibit hoverboards on board.

How Can You Bring Hoverboards on a Plane?

Hoverboards are generally not allowed on planes due to safety concerns. It is recommended to check with the airline you are flying with to confirm their rules and regulations regarding bringing hoverboards on board.

You can do this by visiting their website or contacting them directly through email or phone. Some airlines may make an exception for UL2272-certified hoverboards which are considered safe for users, but be sure to clarify this with your specific airline.

Are Hoverboards Without Lithium Batteries Allowed on Planes?

Hoverboards without lithium batteries are allowed on planes, but many airlines still do not permit them regardless of the type of battery used. Although some hoverboards may use alternative batteries like lead-acid batteries, it is not commonly used as they are heavier and less functional than lithium-ion batteries. It is recommended to reach out to the airline and check their restrictions before bringing any personal transportation devices, including hoverboards, on board.

Alternatives to Bringing a Hoverboard on a Plane

If you are planning to travel with a hoverboard and want to know if it can be brought onto a plane, the answer is no. But don’t worry, there are alternatives you can consider. One option is to use a shipping company like FedEx, UPS, or MyUS to send your hoverboard to your destination within the US. However, if you are flying internationally or abroad, it may be best to purchase a new hoverboard since most airlines prohibit them from being brought onto a plane.

What’s the issue with Airlines and Hoverboards?

Airlines have banned hoverboards on airplanes after reports of them exploding. This ban extends to all national and international airlines, including major ones like Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines. The ban even applies to packing them in checked baggage or as a carry-on. Therefore, you cannot bring your hoverboard when traveling on an airplane.

The issue with hoverboards is the increased risk of fires due to low-quality batteries in some models. To prevent explosions, it is important to purchase UL2272-certified hoverboards and avoid using cheap third-party chargers. It is also helpful to know safe charging options, which can be found in our article on charging hoverboards without a charger.

1. Lithium-ion Battery Packs:

Lithium-ion battery packs power for most hoverboards and electronic gadgets. Despite being manufactured with safety standards by reputable companies and certified by UL, cheaper brands may pose safety hazards due to their inferior quality battery packs. These cheaper copies have resulted in incidents where hoverboards explode in flames.

Due to such concerns, airlines like Southwest and Alaska Airlines have banned hoverboards with lithium-ion battery packs as a precautionary measure. Similar regulations apply to other electronic devices that contain lithium-ion battery packs.

2. TSA Regulations:

According to TSA regulations, hoverboards are allowed to pass through security checkpoints as baggage, even if they have lithium batteries. However, the final decision rests with the airlines and their employees. It is important to note that getting past TSA security does not necessarily mean that you can bring your hoverboard on the plane.

3. Lithium-free Hoverboards:

Lithium-free hoverboards are available as an alternative to the traditional lithium-ion battery-powered models. With this newer technology, you may be able to take your hoverboard on a plane, but you may need to plead your case with the airline and crew members. Due to the novelty of lithium-free hoverboards, airline policies may vary regarding their allowance. It’s best to contact your airline in advance to ensure a smooth boarding experience.

4. Mailing Hoverboards:

Mailing your hoverboard can be a reliable option for getting it to your destination. However, USPS prohibits the shipment of hoverboards with lithium-ion batteries. Instead, you can use shipping companies such as UPS and FedEx. This may be a straightforward process for domestic shipping, but international shipping could be complicated and expensive. For shipping internationally, you might need to contact a smaller freight company directly.

5. Take a Bus, Train, or Car:

If you prefer to ensure your hoverboard reaches your destination safely, consider other transportation options such as taking a bus, train, or renting a car. These methods of travel typically have less strict regulations when it comes to carrying hoverboards as baggage. Additionally, car rental companies have no restrictions on hoverboards.

Tips for Taking a Hoverboard on a Plane

Taking a hoverboard on a plane can be a bit tricky due to the safety concerns associated with lithium-ion batteries. However, with proper planning, it’s still possible to bring your hoverboard with you on your flight. Here are some tips to help make the process a bit smoother:

1. Check with the airline:

Before you plan to take your hoverboard on a plane, be sure to check your airline’s policies regarding personal transportation devices. Some airlines, such as United Airlines and Southwest Airlines, have banned hoverboards altogether, while others may allow them under certain conditions.

2. Remove the battery:

Most airlines require that the lithium-ion battery pack be removed from the hoverboard before travel. It’s best to check with your specific airline’s policies to ensure you’re following their guidelines.

3. Carry-on vs. checked baggage:

You can either include your hoverboard battery in your carry-on baggage or check it in. However, it’s important to note that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that lithium-ion batteries be packed in carry-on baggage to reduce the risk of a fire in the cargo hold.

4. Original packaging:

Keeping your hoverboard in its original packaging can help protect it during travel. Additionally, many airlines require that lithium-ion batteries be transported in their original packaging, or in special packaging designed for batteries.

5. Watt-hour limit:

The FAA enforces a limit on the number of watt-hours allowed for lithium-ion batteries in carry-on baggage. For example, spare batteries must not exceed 100 watt-hours (Wh) per battery. If a battery exceeds this limit but does not exceed 160 Wh, airline approval is required.

6. Safety concerns:

While it’s certainly possible to take a hoverboard on a plane, it’s important to understand the potential safety risks and take necessary precautions. Reports of hoverboards catching fire have made the news in the past, so it’s important to follow all of the guidelines set forth by your airline and the FAA.

7. FedEx and UPS

While hoverboards are not allowed on airlines as either checked or carry-on baggage due to safety concerns, shipping companies like FedEx and UPS still accept them for delivery. These independent shipping companies offer an alternative way to transport hoverboards, where they do not follow the same restrictions as airlines or the USPS.

It is important to note that the packaging and labeling requirements for hoverboards differ for shipping companies, so it is advisable to check with them for their specific guidelines.

8. Lithium-free Hoverboards

Hoverboards have been a trending personal transportation device that has evolved with advancements in technology. The latest models of hoverboards are now created without the use of hazardous lithium-ion battery packs. You can now travel with your Lithium-free hoverboard safely on a plane without the risk of safety concerns.

9. Warnings

Before you consider taking your hoverboard on a plane, it’s important to understand the potential risks and restrictions you could face. Airlines and aviation authorities have implemented safety rules and regulations regarding the transportation of devices containing lithium-ion batteries, like hoverboards, due to their potential fire hazard.

To stay safe and avoid potentially costly fines, passengers must strictly follow all rules and warnings. In this article, we’ll discuss all the crucial warnings that you need to be aware of before traveling with a hoverboard.

FAQs

Conclusion:

It is possible to take a hoverboard on a plane under certain conditions. However, it is important to check with the specific airline’s regulations and guidelines before attempting to bring one on board. Lithium-ion batteries and spare batteries for hoverboards are usually subject to hazardous materials regulations and may be restricted or prohibited from carry-on luggage.

It is recommended to travel with the hoverboard in its original packaging or retail packaging, with all battery terminals covered and disconnected. By adhering to safety guidelines and providing the necessary information to airline employees, travelers can bring their personal transportation devices on board and enjoy their trip without any safety concerns.