The FAA has banned certain MacBook Pro laptops that were recalled by Apple earlier this summer due to safety concerns over the risk of fire with the lithium batteries. The 15-inch MacBook Pro units, sold between September 2015 and February 2017, were listed in its recall notice to customers.
Some international airlines have taken the ban to extreme measures. According to Conde Nast Traveler: Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways, for instance, have banned the recalled devices from both checked luggage and carry-on bags. “Customers are to refrain from bringing the affected models either as hand-carry or in checked baggage until the battery has been verified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer,” Singapore said in a statement.
Apple has offered to replace the recalled batteries for free, which can be done by taking it to an Apple store or mailing it to the company’s repair center. Customers can check if their laptop is among the recalled devices by checking the model and serial number on Apple’s website.
According to the FAA: “Recalled batteries can be carried on flights (not in checked bags) if the recalled product/component has been replaced or repaired or otherwise made safe per manufacturer/vendor instructions. Passengers found to be carrying laptops with the recalled batteries are subject to civil and criminal penalties as appropriate.”