MANILA - (UPDATED) Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines said Monday that they are banning battery-operated personal transportation devices, including hoverboards, in all its flights due to safety reasons.
"Out of safety considerations for its passengers and crew, Cebu Pacific is prohibiting the carriage of all battery-operated personal transportation devices, such as hoverboards and other similar self-balancing vehicles, on board its aircraft. These devices will not be accepted for check-in or hand-carry beginning today, December 21, 2015," Cebu Pacific said in a statement.
Cebu Pacific explained that hoverboards run on high-powered lithium-ion batteries, "which have been widely reported to have a tendency to overheat or spontaneously ignite."
"These devices pose a fire hazard risk and are deemed unsafe for transport especially in aircraft’s pressurized cabin and cargo stowage spaces," it added.
The airline also advised its passengers that such devices will not be stored for safekeeping in the airport and ticket offices.
Meanwhile, PAL joined other airline companies in banning lithium ion powered small motor devices.
In a statement, PAL said, it "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 ban stems from the risk of the device overheating, exploding and catching fire," PAL added.
Early this month, three US airlines, American Airlines Group Inc., United Continental Holdings Inc. and Delta Air Lines Inc. also banned hoverboards in flights out of safety considerations.