The Story So Far

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned certain MacBook Pro laptops on flights.

• The ban is due to Apple Inc.’s recall on specific units that pose a fire safety risk.

Why the MacBook Pro Ban?

In June 2019, Apple issued a recall on select MacBook Pro 15-inch laptops after discovering that the batteries inside these affected machines could overheat and pose a serious fire-safety risk on flights. It has been estimated that around 432,000 laptops were impacted by the recall.

Which Model of the MacBook is Banned?

The banned MacBook Pros were sold between September 2015 and February 2017, has a 15.4-inch screen size, and a 500-nit LED-backlit IPS display with a 2,880×1,800 resolution at 220ppi and a P3 Wide Color and True Tone support.

Which Airlines Have Banned the Flawed MacBook Pro?

As of September 9th, 2019, the 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops are banned by the following airlines:

• All U.S. Airlines
• Virgin Australia
• Qantas Airlines
• Singapore Airlines Ltd
• Thai Airways International
• TUI Group Airlines
• Thomas Cook Airlines
• Air Italy
• Air Transat
• Omar Air
• Emirates Airline
• Cathay Pacific
• Etihad

Why the 15-Inch MacBook Pro is Not Completely Banned Internationally

Because the number of these affected laptops in the EU is limited, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) hasn’t deemed the issue as lethal and refrained from issuing a ban as absolute as the one issued in the U.S. (by the FAA). However, the EASA made clear that if one of these laptops is brought on a European flight, it must be switched off and cannot be used or charged onboard.

How Do I Know If My MacBook Pro Is a Recall?

Before catching your flight, call the airlines and check what guidance they offer to find out. If you’re carrying or plan on carrying a MacBook Pro onboard, be sure to ask specifically if the airlines your flying allows your specific model on the flight, or even in checked luggage.  This will save you a ton of time (and hassle) during your security check-in.