Russell Crowe goes on Twitter rant over Virgin Australia’s hoverboard policy

Russell Crowe has bone to pick with Virgin Australia. (AP)

Earlier this month, many major airlines including Delta, United and Virgin affiliates announced a blanket ban on hoverboards—the motorized, two-wheeled, skateboard-sized scooters that have quickly become this season’s must-have toy.

But apparently Russell Crowe didn’t get the memo.

On Monday, the actor was scheduled to travel on Virgin Australia but was shocked to learn that his children’s hoverboards were not permitted in the plane’s cargo hold.

Crowe immediately Tweeted at the airline, expressing his frustration.

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, 2015

Virgin Australia was quick to respond through the airline’s official account.

@russellcrowe Hi Russell, due to safety concerns over the lithium ion batteries in hoverboards, these have been banned on all major… 1/3

— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) December 29, 2015

@russellcrowe …Australian airlines and many around the world. We’re sorry you were not aware of this prior to check-in today. We… 2/3

— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) December 29, 2015

@russellcrowe …hope to see you on board again soon. 3/3

— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) December 29, 2015

Though popular, the self-balancing boards have come under scrutiny after several reports emerged of the wheeled boards spontaneously bursting into flames. While the cause of the fires are still unknown, consumer safety reports have suggested the problem may lie with the lithium batteries used to power the devices or faulty plugs

In response, many major retailers including Amazon.com have stopped selling all or many versions of hoverboards during the holiday season.

Domestic and international airlines were also quick to issue policies banning the futuristic-looking toy citing fire hazard concerns.

But Crowe continued to rant at Virgin, complaining that he should have been notified of the policy while booking his ticket.

.@VirginAustralia I’m awaiting your reply, where is your duty of responsibility in this? Why not tell me when I am booking my ticket?

— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) December 29, 2015

The airline swiftly replied to the actor, letting him know that the information was already available upon ticket confirmation and in pre-flight correspondence.

@russellcrowe Hi Russell, this information is outlined in the Dangerous Goods section in the booking confirmation and check in… 1/4

— Virgin Australia (@VirginAustralia) December 29, 2015

The full series of Tweets read: “Hi Russell, this information is outlined in the Dangerous Goods section in the booking confirmation and check in reminder emails you will have received.

“We have also communicated this on Facebook and Twitter, as well as through the media.”

“We understand your frustration, however please appreciate that safety is our number one priority.”

Crowe may have vowed to never fly the airline again but many across social media are applauding the airline for standing firm on its policy—and not caving for a celebrity guest.

Russell Crowe Has Huge Hissy Fit When Virgin Airlines Refuses His Kids’ Hoverboards https://t.co/CIFk6l2LrB pic.twitter.com/Mpoh1nC9mX

— Gothamist (@Gothamist) December 29, 2015

Russell Crowe to Virgin Atlantic: “Don’t you know who I am? I am Commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions…”

— Andrea Mann (@AndreaMann) December 30, 2015

Virgin Australia: “Oi, hoverboards might explode, can’t carry them on, mate.” Russell Crowe: OUTRAGEOUS I AM TAKING MY BUSINESS ELSEWHERE

— Michael Christie (@sbristowsd6) December 29, 2015