Malaysia Airlines bans hoverboards

Malaysia Airlines has followed the lead of other international carriers including Australia's Qantas and Jetstar in banning hoverboards on its flights.

File photo. Source: AAP

Hoverboards and other small vehicles powered by lithium ion batteries are banned on all Malaysia Airlines flights, the carrier says.

The ban covers both checked and carry-on baggage of gadgets that have been classified as "dangerous goods" by the International Air Transport Association, the airline said on Saturday.

"These small vehicles, or Personal Movement Devices which include airwheel, solowheel, hoverboard, mini-segway, balance wheel and other self-balancing vehicles, are considered fire hazards," it said.

"Malaysia Airlines would like to remind passengers that it prohibits the carriage of all such devices (with or without batteries) as checked-in or carry-on baggage."

The airline said the ban apply for Malaysia Airlines flights out of all airports including charter operations and connecting passengers from other airlines.

The ban follows similar restrictions announced this month by Australia's Qantas and Jetstar airlines, together with carriers in the US and New Zealand.