The electronically motorised walking-replacement devices, or the so-called “hoverboards”, are surging in popularity as they begin to show up everywhere from city sidewalks to shopping malls to airports.
However, AirAsia has banned all hoverboards from being taken on their flights due to safety concerns. The ban took effect immediately after the airline issued a statement today (30th December).
AirAsia said in the statement that it would no longer allow the lithium battery-powered transportation devices on board of AirAsia and AirAsia X flights as check-in or hand-carry baggage. Other items that are banned include hoverboards, Segways, mini-Segways, electronic scooters, solowheels, airwheels, balance wheels, and similar equipment.
The airline also stated that battery-operated wheelchairs or mobility devices might be accepted on boards under certain circumstances, subject to removal of the battery by guests. They added that 85kg would be the maximum weight allowed for wheelchairs and mobility devices was 85kg.
AirAsia also encouraged guests travelling with battery-operated items to refer to the guideline available on its website.
AirAsia was among a handful of global airlines that had already banned hoverboards on flights. Other major airlines that impose similar restrictions on “self-balancing electric scooters” include Malaysia Airlines, Malindo Air, Singapore Airlines, Tiger Airways, British Airways, Virgin America Airlines, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue Airline, Delta Airlines, American Airlines, and United Airlines.
Source: The Star Online.
