During the beginning of August, the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned the recalled MacBook Pros from US flight. After that, Australia airline company such as Virgin and Jetstar bans all MacBooks from checked-in luggage. A few days ago, famous Malaysia based airlines such as AirAsia, Malindo finally announces the ban on the recalled 15″ MacBook Pro.
The reason is those affected units are prone to overheating and there are chances can cause risk of fire during the flight. Back in June this year, Apple has issued a recall on selected 15″ MacBook Pro units which Apple says those batteries are prone to overheating and could cause a fire. Looks like Malaysian have to be aware if you are bringing along your MacBook Pro.
First of all, Malindo issues a notice regarding this matter on its Facebook post. From the post, Malindo has strictly said that non-passengers are allowed to bring the affected MacBook Pro models both as in hand-carry and checked-in luggage. Only after verifying the battery is safe and has been replaced by the manufacturer, the passenger can bring their MacBook along with them. Which means, after you have replaced the affected unit battery, you should provide a official documentation from Apple which the Apple Authorized Resellers will provide it.
On the other side, AirAsia has also updated its Travel Notice page regarding this issue. However, AirAsia did not exactly mention neither Apple nor MacBook Pro models in the Travel Notice page. From the page, AirAsia says it bans the carrying of any electronic device that has a product recalled should not be allowed inside the flight. Upon providing the official documentation from Apple, it will permit its passengers to bring the device onboard the flight.
Other than Malindo and AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines has also issued an official notice on its website. However, from its notice page, it did only mention those affected MacBook Pros should be only placed in the cabin baggage. Similarly, Virgin Airlines said the same statement. Unless you have changed the battery from Apple, then you have to show the official documentation before putting the MacBook Pro into checked baggage.
All of these three major airline companies have shared the Apple MacBook Pro recall page too. In case you missed it, you can check your MacBook Pro serial number from here. From Apple’s statement, only the units sold between September 2015 and February 2017 is affected. If you have purchased one after 2017, then you might not need to worry about this ban. Unless your device is affected, then you can directly walk-in to your nearest Apple Authorised Service Providers to get it replaced for free within a week.
