This Year’s Hottest Gift Banned from Airlines

This Year's Hottest Gift Banned from Airlines

  • By Sydny Shepard
  • Dec 14, 2015

Most major U.S. airlines have banned the newest technology hitting the streets: the self-balancing scooter, or “hoverboard.” These handle less modes of transportation have been banned over safety concerns regarding their electrical systems.

The airlines’ hoverboard bans came amid several reports of the devices’ batteries catching fire and exploding, in some cases causing serious damage. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commison has received at least 10 reports of fires caused by the hoverboards, a number that is increasing daily.

The battery issues have been a major headache for the companies that make hoverboards, including IO Hawk and PhunkeeDuck. These executives point the finger at the companies supplying variations of their product. They say these knockoff products are causing all the problems due to taking shortcuts to cut down on cost. IO Hawk and PhunkeeDuck’s hoverboards cost over $1,000 while models from off-brands can cost as little as $385.

Delta, United Airlines, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and JetBlue are among the major air carriers that have decided to ban hoverboards. Southwest, however, will still let you bring one on board.

Southwest explains that they will treat the hoverboard as a carry-on item as long as it can fit within a carry-on bag. If it is too large, they suggest it be packed in checked luggage an protected from “accidental activation.” Still, the airline is taking extra precautions, scooters with batteries larger than 160 watt-hours are not permitted on the plane, a rule that the airline has had for other electronics powered by similar batteries.

“Just out of safety precautions, I can understand where the airlines are coming from,” IO Hawk President John Soibatian said. “There isn’t a dollar amount you can put on somebody’s life. Each one of our components is tested before we put it into the marketplace. When we charge $1,800 it’s not for the logo.”

About the Author

Sydny Shepard is the Executive Editor of Campus Security & Life Safety.

Featured

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

  • Security Today Announces 2025 CyberSecured Award Winners

    Security Today is pleased to announce the 2025 CyberSecured Awards winners. Sixteen companies are being recognized this year for their network products and other cybersecurity initiatives that secure our world today. Read Now

  • Empowering and Securing a Mobile Workforce

    What happens when technology lets you work anywhere – but exposes you to security threats everywhere? This is the reality of modern work. No longer tethered to desks, work happens everywhere – in the office, from home, on the road, and in countless locations in between. Read Now

  • TSA Introduces New $45 Fee Option for Travelers Without REAL ID Starting February 1

    The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that it will refer all passengers who do not present an acceptable form of ID and still want to fly an option to pay a $45 fee to use a modernized alternative identity verification system, TSA Confirm.ID, to establish identity at security checkpoints beginning on February 1, 2026. Read Now

  • The Evolution of IP Camera Intelligence

    As the 30th anniversary of the IP camera approaches in 2026, it is worth reflecting on how far we have come. The first network camera, launched in 1996, delivered one frame every 17 seconds—not impressive by today’s standards, but groundbreaking at the time. It did something that no analog system could: transmit video over a standard IP network. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.