Airlines (still) ban rideable luggage.
Picture this: You’re gliding effortlessly through Terminal 3, perched atop your motorized suitcase, fighting the urge to wave at envious travelers trudging along with their ordinary rolling luggage in tow. A step into the future, right? Well, not so fast…
The ride stops here.
United Airlines is putting the brakes on that travel fantasy by reminding passengers “rideable bags”—those motorized suitcases you can literally ride through airports—are absolutely forbidden both as carry-ons and checked luggage. While these futuristic travel companions might seem like the perfect airport hack, they’re squarely on the airline’s no-fly list.
A recent spike in travelers attempting to bring these battery-powered wonders aboard prompted United to circulate a refresher memo to gate agents. The message? If it moves and you can ride it, it has to stay grounded.
What’s banned?
Under the “dangerous items” subsection of its baggage policies webpage, United makes clear it doesn’t accept “any devices that are designed to be used like a vehicle,” including:
-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
Why the travel buzz-kill?
It all comes down to the lithium batteries that power these devices. They’re notorious fire risks; just two weeks ago, a power bank ignited in an overhead bin, forcing an emergency landing.
United isn’t the only buzz-killer.
Before you switch airline allegiance, know that Delta explicitly bans these items, too. American Airlines doesn’t call them out specifically, but their restrictions on hoverboards and lithium batteries likely cover ride-on bags as well.
But wait…
Yes, these bags were designed to make airport navigation easier. But if you can’t take them on planes, what’s the point?
The only exceptions to the no-fly rule are mobility devices like wheelchairs and mobility scooters that meet battery requirements. (And no, you can’t claim your rideable suitcase is a “mobility device.”)
Twist’s Take: Save your suitcase ride for road trips or train journeys; showing up at the airport with a motorized bag will leave you with two unappealing options: missing your flight or abandoning your expensive luggage.