No Apple MacBooks are permitted in checked in baggage on Virgin Australia flights until further notice. ALL Apple MacBooks must be placed in carry-on baggage only.
Virgin Australia has updated its baggage policy with an important message that confirms all Apple MacBooks in checked-in baggage. But they will allow them on flights if you carry them onboard within carry-on baggage. A policy which will be in place until “further notice”.
The new policy is due to a worldwide voluntary recall of specific MacBook Pro models by Apple. One which was announced back in June and affects those with older-generation 15-inch MacBook Pros. Models sold between September 2015 and February 2017 contain a battery which “may overheat and pose a safety risk”.
MacDailyNews Take: One bad Apple spoils the whole barrel.
Of course, it’s too much to ask airlines to identify the relatively few recalled MacBook Pro units from every other 15-inch MacBook Pro, but couldn’t they at least try to spare MacBook, MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro owners from this blanket ban? A simple frame could instantly determine that they are not the same size as the affected 15-inch MacBook Pro during check in!
Regardless, we’ve never flown with our MacBook/Air/Pro without carrying them on, so we could use them during flight, and we bet the vast majority of people do the same. Very few are affected by not being able to put MacBook/Air/Pro units into checked bags.
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 Australia
More info about Apple’s Voluntary Recall and Replacement Program for 15-inch MacBook Pro units sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017 here.
I’ll say the obvious here. This is a complete and over the top over reaction by Virgin Australia. It is truly asinine.
That said, I’ll add that the U.S. FAA recommendation that U.S. commercial airlines refuse to allow the affected set of MacBook Pros on any plane (whether in checked baggage or in carry on is irrelevant) is an implementation nightmare and likely unenforceable. This may be the impetus for the Virgin Australia ban. It is much easier to just have the inspectors notice an Apple symbol and ban the item than take the extra effort to determine the kind of laptop let alone the specific model truly affected by this limited recall.
All this publicity on this issue is a true testament to Apple’s quality under Tim Cook.
Yes. I understand Tim Cook is also personally responsible for Tropical StormDorian, which is currently slicing through the Windward Islands…
ouch
Who puts their laptop in checked baggage?!? It’ll get stolen.
Better safe than sorry.
Do you know anyone who checks his laptop in? Not only Apple, but any laptop?