14 DAY TRIAL // Several airlines have decided to ban either partially or entirely Apple’s MacBooks on their flights due to the risk of fire caused by faulty batteries they come with.
Apple launched a recall program back in June, as the company discovered that 15-inch MacBook Pro units sold between September 2015 and February 2017 came with bad batteries possibly suffering from overheating.
Reports of a bad battery causing an explosion on an affected MacBook made the rounds a few weeks ago, so as a result, multiple airlines banned Apple’s laptops as a safety precaution.
One of the first to do so is Virgin Australia, who says in a post on its Dangerous Goods page that the MacBook is banned from checked baggage, but allowed in cabin baggage where it can be closely monitored.
“Due to a worldwide recall by Apple of a number of Apple MacBook batteries, ALL Apple MacBooks must be placed in carry-on baggage only. No Apple MacBooks are permitted in checked in baggage until further notice,” Virgin says.
Serviced laptops allowed
On the other hand, Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways banned the MacBook entirely, and they do not allow the laptop on its flights “as carry-on items or in checked baggage,” as per a report from VietnamPlus. The two airlines, however, allow the MacBook if the “battery has been verified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer.” Specifics on how the checks are performed are not available.
Apple provides assistance on determining whether a MacBook Pro is part of the recall program or not on this support page.
Other airlines are expected to announce similar restrictions for MacBooks in the coming days, albeit there is a good chance that many would stick with a partial ban that would only restrict the laptops from being carried in checked baggage.