Airlines ban MacBooks from checked baggage, even non-recalled models

Two Australian airlines, Qantas and Virgin Australia, are cracking down on Apple MacBook Pro computers — even models that haven’t been recalled.  

The ban comes after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reminded U.S. airlines in July 2019 that certain 15-inch MacBook Pro models, dating from 2015-2017, should not be allowed on flights. Apple itself recalled the affected models in June. 

And even though there was nothing really new about the FAA’s statement, it appears that some airlines are only now taking notice, and reacting with a rule change that encompasses far more than the models that were actually recalled. 

“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,” says a notice on top of Virgin Australia’s official “dangerous goods” section. 

Note that this technically encompasses all Apple MacBook computers, including the 13-inch and the 12-inch MacBooks which are visually quite different from the recalled 15-inch models. 

Qantas hasn’t gone that far, banning only the affected, 15-inch MacBook Pro. However, ZDNet points out that the airline forbids passengers from using any 15-inch MacBook Pro during flight.

“Until further notice, all 15-inch Apple MacBook Pros must be carried in cabin baggage and switched off for flight following a recall notice issued by Apple,” a Qantas spokesperson told ZDNet.

Bloomberg pointed out that Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways previously banned passengers from bringing the affected models on their aircrafts — though in both cases, the ban pertains only to affected models. 

The overreaching bans may seem like the easier way to go for airlines, as some Apple MacBook models aren’t easily distinguishable from each other. However, given the popularity of the MacBook, it’s equally as likely that the ban will cause confusion and annoyance among passengers, especially those who own models which are very different from the recalled ones.