Small Vehicles Powered by Lithium Batteries – Passenger Provisions
Earlier this week actor Russell Crowe was reported to have lashed out at Virgin Airlines due to issues surrounding his battery powered balance board. This instance is a reminder to all travelers that for the safety of all passengers the FAA maintains a list of hazardous materials that are prohibited on airlines and may result in a fine or denial of boarding. In 2013 the Department of Transportation put into place law that this list must be provided to all travelers at time of purchase, as well again at time of check-in for their flight. Effective January 1, 2016 this rule becomes more strictly enforced. We have been following these policies since 2013 however most consumers still do not know they exist. The list of hazardous material includes many obvious items such as firearms, but also includes many items which are commonplace for most travelers.
What is a Hazardous Material?
From lithium batteries to aerosol whipped cream, many items used every day at home or work are regulated as hazardous materials (a.k.a. “hazmat” and “dangerous goods”). These products may seem harmless; however, when transported by air they can be very dangerous. Vibrations, static electricity, and temperature and pressure variations can cause items to leak, generate toxic fumes, start a fire, or even explode. Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to: Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids and Solids, Oxidizers, Toxic and Infectious Materials, Radioactive Materials, Corrosives and many other items that can endanger the traveling public when not handled correctly. The good news is that many of the hazardous materials we can’t live without are allowed in our baggage, but only if we follow the rules.
To see a comprehensive list be sure to check out the FAA’s Pack Safe website for more information.
As of December 16, 2015 the following are some airlines which have implemented a total ban on the carriage of balance wheels, hoverboards and other self-balancing vehicles in passenger baggage.
Aer Lingus, Air Berline, Air Canada, Air France, Air New Zealand, Air Tahiti, Alaska Airlines, All Nippon, American Airlines, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Delta Airlines, Easyjet, Emirates, Etihad, Korean Air, Lufthansa, Philippine Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, SAS, Signapore Airlines, Swiss International, TAM Airlines, United Airlines and Virgin Australia.
For additional information see: https://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/dgr/Documents/small-lithium-battery-powered-vehicles.pdf
