United Airlines Bans Rideable Bags

As airlines see an upsurge in passengers traveling with so-called “rideable bags,” United Airlines is making clear that these items are banned as both checked and carry-on items.

Rideable Bags Prohibited On United Airlines (And Other Carriers)

United is seeing an uptick in passengers trying to check or bring onboard rideable bags, an invention that makes navigating busy airports theoretically much easier, but also presents a safety risk due to the batteries used to operate them.

Under the “dangerous items” subsection of its baggage policies webpage, United makes clear that these devices are banned:

We don’t accept any devices that are designed to be used like a vehicle. Here is a list of examples:

• Smart balance wheels and boards, like hoverboards, airboards and skateboards
• Self-balancing wheeled devices like Segways
• Battery-assisted bikes like e-bikes
• Motorbikes or motorcycles
• Electric powered scooters
• Rideable or motorized suitcases

To be clear, the ban is not new, but a recent memo sent to gate agents and seen by Live And Let’s Fly serves as a reminder that these items are prohibited:

As the popularity of battery-powered devices is on the rise, there’s been an increase in the number of these types of items customers are attempting to check-in or carry on. Specifically, there’s been an increase in customers checking in or carrying on rideable bags, which cannot be accepted. 

As a reminder, recreational self-propelled battery-powered devices designed to carry a person are not permitted. This includes rideable suitcases, and the items listed below:

• Airboards
• Electric or battery-assisted bicycles
• Electric scooters*
• Hoverboards
• Riding suitcases
• Water scooter 

*Devices such as segways, wheelchairs and mobility scooters may be accepted if they meet the battery restriction requirements and they are used as a mobility device. Rideable suitcases are not considered for use as a mobility device.  

As you can see, there are some exceptions. I am writing about this because I was not even aware these items were prohibited in the first place, but the risk of fire is real (even earlier today, there were headlines about a power bank that caught fire in an overhead bin and forced an emergency landing).

Looking at other carriers, American Airlines does not explicitly ban these bags, though I think the ban on “hoverboards” and on lithium batters likely covers it. Delta Air Lines explicitly bans them.

CONCLUSION

Rideable bags are very popular right now, but know that they are not allowed on major US carriers…thus defeating their purpose. I suspect United is not alone in noticing an uptick in these items at airports…don’t get caught with having to either delay your trip or ditch your bag.

image: Modobag