Alaska Airlines bans hoverboards from aircraft

This holiday season’s must-have gift – the hoverboard – is causing headaches for airlines.

Alaska Airlines is now taking action by banning shipment of the balancing boards in luggage or carry-ons.

They retail at the high end at about $1,300, but more modest versions of the popular hover board cost about $500, still a stiff price for a kid’s balancing board. Low-end items retail for about $300 dollars.

Online sales of hoverboards are thriving, but there is a catch.

“We announced a ban and a change to our policy last week to not allow hoverboards in checked luggage or carry-on,” Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Anne Zaninovich said. “You know, hoverboards are typically powered by lithium ion batteries, which are regulated by the FAA and considered a hazardous material. That’s in the same category as things like a flammable liquid or a gas powered tool. They are just not allowed on the aircraft. ”

Zaninovich says Alaska Airlines last week banned all hoverboard shipping – in carry-on or checked baggage – due to safety concerns.

“So, I think, what can happen, you know, is those [hoverboards] can short-circuit, and the battery can overheat or catch fire, and for those reasons it’s been added to that list,” Zaninovich said.

She says most national airlines have joined in the hoverboard ban.

The Washington Post has reported numerous incidents of hoverboards across the country spontaneously bursting into flame.

In the words of one report: “This Louisiana mom says her son’s brand new hoverboard exploded moments after it was plugged in, setting her house on fire.” In the federal probe of hoverboards, we’ve learned regulators are stepping up their investigation due to a number of fires and explosions just like you are seeing here.”

The Wall Street Journal reports that Britain’s consumer protection agency found 88 percent of the 17,000 hover boards inspected had some construction flaw, either in battery, cable or shut-off switch.

New York City has declared their use on public streets illegal, subject to a $200 fine.

And this week, internet retail giant Amazon announced it would no longer be selling certain brands of hoverboards due to safety concerns.

So, how are you going to get your hoverboard to Alaska, or out of Alaska on that holiday trip?

“It does require you to ship them via another avenue.”

Barge? Truck? Santa’s sleigh?

FedEx spokesperson Rae Lyn Rushing said in an email that FedEx’s safety requirements for shipping lithium battery powered items like hover boards exceed U.S., and International Civil Aviation Organization and Air Transport Association regulations. FedEx has tight restrictions in place and will not accept them if they do not meet FedEx requirements and governmental regulations.”

That’s hovering around a direct answer, but UPS help desk operator Betsy C. says UPS is handling the pesky presents, if they are packaged up to UPS standards.