Russell Crowe launches Twitter rant at Virgin Australia airline after being stopped boarding flight with hoverboard

The airline defended the ban, saying it was made clear in the dangerous good section in its booking process

Russell Crowe. Credit: Getty (Russell Crowe. Credit: Getty)

Russell Crowe has launched a Twitter rant against Virgin Atlantic, after the airline reportedly refused to let his children bring their 'hoverboards' on to a plane.

The actor lashed out after he says his sons were told they could not bring the self-balancing scooters on to the flight as his family were setting off on a post-Christmas holiday.

Several airlines have recently banned the so-called hoverboards over fears their lithium batteries could explode mid-flight.

He posted: “Ridiculous @VirginAustralia. No Segway boards as luggage? Too late to tell us at airport. Kids and I offloaded. Goodbye Virgin. Never again.”

The airline quickly responded, tweeting: “Hi Russell, due to safety concerns over the lithium ion batteries in hoverboards, these have been banned on all major Australian airlines and many around the world.

“We're sorry you were not aware of this prior to check-in today. We hope to see you on board again soon.”

Mr Crowe was not satisfied however, asking the airline where “its duty of responsibility was in this” and asking why he was not informed of the ban when booking his tickets.

Virgin Australia replied again, saying the ban was made clear in the dangerous goods section of the booking confirmation and reminder emails as well as being communicated through social media and the press.

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

The Gladiator star was widely criticised for the comments by other Twitter users, with Australian comedian Joel Creasey posting: “You're a millionare, babe. Get some perspective.”

However, Mr Crowe replied: “I'm a father Joel, with two kids at an airport, trying to start our holiday.”

The Daily Mail reported that Mr Crowe was flying from Sydney to Coffs Harbour in eastern Australia and left the airport without boarding the flight.