PAL, Cebu Pacific ban hoverboards

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) have imposed a ban on hoverboards and other similar devices on its flights for safety reasons.

“PAL joins other air carriers in banning the carriage of lithium ion powered small motor devices as carry on, check in and cargo shipment.

These small motor devices include hoverboards, balance wheel, air wheel, etc.,” the airline’s spokesperson Cielo Villaluna said in an email yesterday.

She said the ban stems from the risk of the device overheating, exploding and catching fire.

Cebu Pacific said in a statement it is also prohibiting passengers from carrying hoverboards and other self-balancing vehicles on board its aircraft for the safety of all passengers and crew.

The budget airline said such devices were no longer accepted for check-in or hand-carry beginning yesterday.

Hoverboards are also not allowed to be stored for safekeeping in the airport and in Cebu Pacific’s ticket offices.

This, as hoverboards which run on high-powered lithium-ion batteries, have been widely reported to have a tendency to overheat or spontaneously ignite.

Given the devices’ fire hazard risk, such are not considered safe for transport especially in the aircraft’s pressurized cabin and cargo stowage spaces.

“We sincerely hope for our guests’ understanding, as everyone’s safety remains our priority,” Cebu Pacific said.

Apart from PAL and Cebu Pacific, other carriers have banned the carriage of hoverboards on board the aircraft such as Cathay Pacific, Dragon Air, Emirates, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Etihad Airlines, China Airlines, Malaysian Airlines and British Airways.