Another Celeb Goes Ape After "No Hoverboard" Policy
Russell Crowe has been criticised for perhaps caring more about his children's "luxurious" Christmas gifts than the safety of a plane full of passengers, after the Oscar-winning actor complained when he was not allowed to check-in a "hoverboard" at Sydney Airport.
Crowe, 51, vented his disgust on social media on Tuesday afternoon after he was told of Virgin Australia's policy not to allow Segway-boards to be carried on flights. He vowed to "never again" fly with the airline.
Ridiculous
@VirginAustralia. No Segway boards as luggage? Too late to tell us at airport.Kids and I offloaded. Goodbye Virgin. Never again.
— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe)
December 29, 2015Crowe and his two sons, Charles, 12, and Tennyson, 9, did not progress past the check-in desk on Tuesday, choosing not to board their flight, Fairfax Media understands.
All major Australian airlines and most international carriers have banned the the "small recreational vehicles" due to safety concerns.
Virgin Australia announced it had updated its dangerous goods policy to include the self-balancing boards on its no-fly list in mid-December.
The boards are a fire and explosion risk due to their lithium ion batteries, with a plethora of news reports - and Youtube videos - attesting to their flammability.
Virgin Australian responded to Crowe's complaint on Twitter, saying "we understand your frustration, however please appreciate that safety is our number one priority".
