REDMOND, OR -- Effective immediately, air carriers and the Federal Aviation Administration have imposed restrictions on certain batteries. Nicole Jurgensen, with the Redmond Airport, tells KBND News the popularity of hover-boards, especially during the gift-giving season, prompted the unusually swift action. "One of the reasons for the quick response from air carriers and the FAA is the size of the lithium ion batteries has increased so much, they are a risk for that spontaneous combustion, which does not mix with aircraft at all."
While hover-boards are banned completely, Jurgensen says smaller batteries are allowed, if they’re removed and packed in a manner that prevents them from short-circuiting. "If they have batteries, and can get turned on during flight because things shift, and it’s an item that can cause heat or a spark, then it creates another danger all on its own. So, remove the batteries and then tape the terminals so they don’t bounce into each other. That’s the safest way to travel with batteries if they’re not packaged in their original packaging."
She recommends travelers be familiar with what is and isn’t allowed before they get to the airport to make sure the check-in process goes smoothly. And, remember to wait to wrap gifts until you arrive at your destination. Roberts Field expects a record number of travelers this holiday season.
