Segways banned on Australia flights
30 December 2015 by News Desk
Russell Crowe was left fuming after an airline stopped him taking Segway hover boards on a flight.
The Australian actor, travelling home with his family, vented his frustration via social media after the airline, Virgin Australia, told him he could not take the hover boards (similar to the one pictured) onto the plane.
Hover boards have been a popular toy this Christmas but many major airlines such as Virgin Australia and Quantas, concerned about safety, have banned them from flights.
The airline, responding Russell Crowe’s complaint, said on twitter: ‘Due to safety concerns over the lithium ion batteries in hover boards these have been banned on all major Australian airlines and many around the world. We’re sorry you were not aware of this prior to check in. We hope to see you on board again soon.’
Crowe is angry that he was not told of the hoverboard ban when he booked his tickets. The airline pointed out that relevant information is outlined in the Dangerous Goods section in the booking conformation and check-in reminder emails.
Regulators in Australia say the cord set and battery charger did not comply with Australian standards. The ban includes two-wheeled hover boards, air boards, smart scooters, mini Segways as well as single-wheeled uni-wheels and air-wheels.
