Can You Check A Hoverboard On A Plane? | The Battery Ban

You bought a hoverboard for fun, then realized you need to fly to a family reunion. It seems like a simple question: can I just toss it in my suitcase? After all, it folds up smaller than a carry-on bag.

The honest answer is more restrictive than most travelers expect. Almost every major airline bans hoverboards in both checked and carry-on luggage because of the fire risk posed by their lithium-ion batteries. This article walks through why the rules exist, what the major airlines say, and what you can actually do if you need to bring your hoverboard on a trip.

Why Hoverboards Are Banned From Checked Luggage

The primary safety concern is the battery itself. Lithium-ion batteries can overheat and catch fire if damaged, crushed, or short-circuited. In the cargo hold of an airplane, a fire is extremely dangerous and difficult to extinguish.

The Federal Aviation Administration already prohibits spare lithium batteries in checked baggage. Hoverboards have large, integrated batteries that can’t be removed easily, so they fall under similar restrictions. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued a specific safety alert in December 2015 about transporting hoverboards on aircraft.

Since that alert, most airlines have chosen to ban the devices entirely rather than evaluate each model. The regulatory framework gives airlines full discretion — and almost every carrier has decided the risk is not worth it. A few allow mobility-aid exceptions, but those require prior approval.

What Do Major Airlines Say?

Many travelers hope their specific airline will have a loophole. But the reality is that virtually every major US carrier has a firm no-hoverboard policy for both checked and carry-on bags. Here is how two major airlines handle it, and what that means for you.

• American Airlines: Prohibits all lithium-ion battery-powered personal transportation devices, including hoverboards, in both carry-on and checked baggage.
• Alaska Airlines: Bans hoverboards as carry-on and checked items, but makes one exception: if the hoverboard is used as a mobility aid, it may be allowed as carry-on with prior approval and proof of need.
• Delta, United, and Southwest: While policies are worded slightly differently, these carriers also typically ban hoverboards. Check each airline’s restricted items page before your flight.
• International airlines: Many non-US carriers have similar restrictions, often mirroring FAA guidance. Some may allow carry-on if the battery is under 160 watt-hours and pre-approved, but this is not guaranteed.
• Mobility aid exception: If you rely on a hoverboard for mobility, contact the airline’s special assistance team before booking to confirm what documentation they require. Alaska Airlines is one example that explicitly permits this.

The mobility aid exception is important but narrow. Only passengers who need the device for daily mobility can qualify, and they must have advance approval from the airline.

The TSA’s Role In Hoverboard Transport

TSA’s official policy says hoverboards are allowed through security checkpoints. That means you can bring one to the gate — but the airline still has final say. The TSA hoverboard policy explicitly directs travelers to check with their airline for specific rules. This can create confusion: some people show up with a hoverboard and get denied at boarding.

TSA’s role is limited to screening for prohibited items like weapons or explosives. The airline decides what goes in the cabin or cargo hold. For airlines like American and Alaska, the answer is no in both categories.

TSA’s hoverboard page was last updated in May 2017, indicating the rules have been stable for years. The agency also requires power banks and spare lithium batteries to be packed in carry-on bags, not checked luggage. But hoverboards fall under a stricter category because they are large devices with integrated, high-capacity batteries.

As the table shows, the consensus is overwhelmingly against carrying hoverboards on flights. The only realistic exception is for approved mobility devices.

What About Carry-On Or Removing The Battery?

You might wonder if you can bring the hoverboard as a carry-on instead of checking it. Or perhaps remove the battery to reduce the fire risk. Unfortunately, these workarounds usually don’t work.

1. Check your airline’s policy first. Before buying a ticket, visit the airline’s restricted items page. Most explicitly list hoverboards, e-scooters, and similar devices as banned in both carry-on and checked bags.
2. Removing the battery may not help. Some policies specifically state that hoverboards are prohibited even if the battery is removed. The device itself is still considered a hazard due to internal wiring or remaining charge.
3. Consider shipping the hoverboard separately. This is often the only reliable way to get your hoverboard to your destination. Use a ground courier that accepts lithium batteries and declare the package properly.
4. Rent at your destination. If you only need a hoverboard for a short time, renting at your destination is often cheaper and hassle-free compared to shipping.

A few consumer sites mention a possible carry-on allowance if the battery is under 160 watt-hours and the airline pre-approves. However, this is not confirmed by any major US airline’s official policy. Always get approval in writing if you plan to try this route.

Safer Alternatives: Shipping Or Renting

Since flying with a hoverboard is off the table, you need another plan. Understanding why airlines are so strict helps you accept the rules and move on. Per battery fire hazard alert, these batteries can cause intense fires that are difficult to control in an aircraft environment.

Shipping via ground freight is allowed, but you must declare the lithium battery. Some carriers require the battery to be installed or packaged separately. Check with the shipping company’s hazardous materials department and expect additional fees. Compare rates from FedEx, UPS, and freight services.

Renting at your destination is another option. Many cities have hoverboard rental shops near parks, beaches, or tourist areas. Search for rental services before you leave. This avoids the hassle of transporting the device entirely and may save you money.

The Bottom Line

You cannot check a hoverboard on a plane with almost any airline. The lithium-ion battery ban exists because of real fire risks. Your best options are shipping the hoverboard via ground freight or renting one at your destination. Always check your specific airline’s policy before booking — and if you use a hoverboard as a mobility aid, contact the airline’s special assistance desk to confirm their documentation requirements.

Before you pack your hoverboard, visit your airline’s restricted items page directly and call their customer service if you have any doubts about exceptions for mobility devices. Each airline has its own interpretation of the safety guidelines, so getting written confirmation can save you an expensive surprise at the airport.