The FAA bans select models of MacBook pro from flights due to battery risks
What you need to know about the FAA ban
In June Apple said they would recall some of the older MacBook models due to their batteries posing a risk of overheating. More specifically 15-inch MacBook Pro units sold between 2015 and 2017. You can identify these units by their serial number. Apple has warned airline companies about the voluntary recall beforehand as well as advising their customers to turn off their devices while onboard. In 2016 the FAA issued a warning about the batteries, urging the airlines for further investigations into lithium batteries.
"The FAA is aware of the recalled batteries that are used in some Apple MacBook Pro laptops," said the FAA's spokesperson in an email to Reuters.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has now banned certain models of the MacBook pro from flights due to battery fire risks, considering them a fire hazard. The aforementioned MacBook Pro models are now not allowed in cargo or the passengers carry on. Following the FAA's decision, we are seeing warnings coming from Europe. According to Bloomberg, those same computers have also been banned from flying with Total Cargo Expertise (TUI Group Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines, Air Italy, and Air Transat) with the companies warning their employees about the risks.
How do you know if your MacBook Pro falls under this category?
- Step 1
Click the Apple icon on the top left corner on the screen and select ‘About This Mac' from the drop-down menu
- Step 2
You will see the exact model of your MacBook Pro, and if it is MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015/17)
- Step 3
Go to the apple support page where you can enter your MacBook Pro's serial number. Check if it falls into the category of the recalled models. If it does you will be offered options for further action, like getting your battery replaced. That would take around two weeks.
Check your MacBook Pro here: Apple Support
Those owners who replace their batteries will have no issues with boarding flights.