Dubai: Thinking of buying your nephew back home in the UK a new hoverboard for Christmas before you book your flight for the holiday season?
Think again, says Emirates airline.
In a statement, Emirates said that as a safety precaution, hoverboards are banned from its aircraft because they contain lithium batteries.
“With the upcoming holiday season, we expect many passengers to be carrying gifts for their loved ones, including the popular smart balance wheels. We prioritise the safety of our passengers and crew, and regret we will not accept these as part of checked-in baggage or as hand luggage. We urge all our customers to check the full list of restricted items before travelling for safe and undisrupted travels,” said Mohammad Mattar, Emirates’ Divisional Senior Vice-President of Airport Services.
Spare lithium batteries used for electronic devices such as cameras, mobiles phones and laptops are restricted from checked-in baggage.
Holiday travellers should check Emirates’ approved list of carry-on and checked-in luggage items before they fly this season, said Emirates airline, to avoid delays.
The airline issued the call on Sunday well ahead of the holiday rush expected later this month when many expatriates return home with gifts for friends and family.
All liquids, gels and aerosols, pastes, lotions, creams, drinks and other items of similar consistency must be in containers with a capacity no greater than 100ml. Those carried in containers larger than 100ml will not be accepted, even if the container is only partially filled.
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Flying: Get to the airport early
As with any busy travel period, Emirates is advising customers to arrive at the airport at least three hours before flight departure, and plan extra time to get to the airport. Early check-in is available at the normal counters six hours before departure and from car park check-in counters six to 24 hours before departure.
Customers who check in less than 60 minutes before their scheduled flight departure will not be accepted. Boarding on all flights begins 45 minutes before departure, and gates close 20 minutes before take-off.
These time checks will ensure the minimisation of delays and missed connections.
