Certain Apple MacBook Pro models banned from flights: Details here
In what may prove itself to be an inconvenience for Apple users, certain models of the MacBook Pro have been banned on flights, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said on Monday. The ban comes as Apple recalled a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops due to a battery overheating issue. Here are more details.
Affected MacBook models pose security risk, says DGCA
In the order issued on Monday, DGCA chief Arun Kumar urged passengers to not fly with the affected 15-inch MacBook Pro models, sold between September 2015 and February 2017, in hand or check-in baggage. Kumar noted that the battery overheating issue may pose a security risk. The ban will remain effective "until the battery has been verified/certified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer."
Here is the order as issued by the DGCA
Apple recalled affected models in June, fearing fire safety risk
To note, on June 20, Apple had issued a notice taking cognizance of the overheating issue in MacBook Pro models sold between September 2015 and February 2017. It noted, "In a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk." Apple then called for a recall to replace affected batteries, free of charge.
European, American aviation agencies banned MacBook after Apple's notice
After Apple sent out that notice, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and American Federal Aviation Administration urged airlines to take necessary steps to ensure safety earlier this month. Consequently, several international airlines banned the affected MacBook Pro laptops to be carried onto flights. Singapore Airlines (SIA), a major operator to India, had also banned the laptops on Sunday.
SIA banned affected MacBook models until verified safe
SIA's website stated, "Customers are to refrain from bringing the affected (MacBook Pro) models either as hand-carry or in checked baggage until the battery has been verified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer." It added, "Please visit Apple's MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program page to get more information on whether your product is affected, as well as on the available battery replacement options."
Thai Airways also announced ban on its website
In accordance with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) also announced the ban on older generation of 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops in the cabin or checked-in baggage. The airline posted the notice on its website.
MacBook not the first major device on no-fly list
This is not the first time that a device from a major electronics brand has been banned from flights. In October 2016, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from airlines as it was prone to catching fire due to battery issues. A Note 7 had even combusted on a Southwest Airlines in the United States. Eventually, Samsung pulled the phones from the market.
