Has Your Apple MacBook Been Banned by the FAA?

As if flying couldn’t get more difficult!

Now Mac users need to be careful airlines because are banning some MacBook Pro models. As of now, you are no longer able to carry on or check your laptop if it was released in a certain time period.

Apple released a huge voluntary recall in June warning customers that their battery could overheat (this is for any MacBook Pro purchased between September 2015 and February 2017). Apple’s website states: “Apple has determined that, in a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro units, the battery may overheat and pose a fire safety risk. Affected units were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017.”

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According to Bloomberg, “The European Union Aviation Safety Agency issued a warning about these MacBook Pro models earlier this month, telling airlines in the region to follow 2017 rules that require devices with recalled lithium-ion batteries to be switched off and not used during flights.”

Other airlines are beginning to follow suit including, TUI Group Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines, Air Italy, and Air Transa. The US airlines are starting to take this recall seriously and will start implementing the policy as well.

What can you do?

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First, check to see if your MacBook Pro qualifies for the recall. Apple is replacing the batteries for free. Whether you travel or not, it’s still a good idea to have this fixed. On their website, you can enter the serial number (located on the bottom of the laptop) into their search field under “Eligibility”.

If your device needs fixed follow the instructions listed. Once you receive it back and are getting ready to hop a plane to your destination, make sure you bring your paperwork! Otherwise, you won’t be catching that flight because:

“U.S. aviation regulations prohibit carrying recalled batteries on flights unless they’ve been replaced or stored in special packaging that inhibits fires, according to FAA guidelines on hazardous materials.