Virgin Airlines has become the latest airline to implement new restrictions regarding the transportation of Apple MacBooks on flights. This week, Virgin released a decree making it known that Apple MacBooks are banned from checked-in luggage “until further notice.”
The new rules mean that MacBooks can only be transported in carry-on luggage. This is a step down from Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways who made the decision to straight up ban the laptop model from all flights, carry-on or otherwise. Just last week, the US-based Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced the model would also be banned from any more of transport for commercial flights.
In the statement, Virgin explains, “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.”
The hubbub was started earlier in the year when Apple announced a “Voluntary Recall and Replacement Program” for MacBook units that were sold between September 2015 and February 2017, specifically 15-inch models. It was discovered that the laptop’s battery can potentially overheat and pose a safety risky for users.
As per the warning issued by Apple, any other MacBook model, or Mac notebooks are safe to use as the issue only pertains to the ones sold between that time frame.
If you’re unsure if you’ve purchased a cursed MacBook, Apple suggests having a look to see which model you’ve purchased. If it’s MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015), it’s highly suggested you enter your computer’s serial number on the re-call website to see if you’re eligible for a replacement battery, which will be free of charge.
You can brush up on what’s banned from Virgin flights and what’s not over at their official website.
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