The FAA has made an unprecedented move since Apple recalled 423,000 previous-generation 15-inch Macbook Pro laptops. The tech giant did so in June 2019. That was after it warned that Apple Macbook Pros could cause minor burns, smoke inhalation and property damage. However, their cautionary only concerns the 2015 15″ MacBook Pro.
FAA Imposes Full Embargo on 2015 Apple Macbook Pros
The Federal Aviation Authority made the announcement on August 14, 2019. The 2015 Apple Macbook Pros may no longer travel as cabin baggage or checked luggage either. This was two months after Apple made the recall collaborating with the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
These decisions follow 17 reports of minor property damage, five reports of minor burns, and one report of smoke inhalation. Consumer Reports confirms Apple will be installing free replacement batteries on the affected equipment. The risk of lithium battery fires on airplanes is deadly serious. That’s because the halon fire suppression systems found in the cargo holds of many airplanes don’t extinguish lithium fires.
Breaking News …
How to Check if Your Apple Macbook is Affected
We understand the machines in question were in stores from September 2015 through to February 2017. Choose ‘About This Mac’ from the menu at the right top of the screen. If it says “MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, Mid 2015)” then unfortunately its flying days are over at least for now.
Then visit the Apple recall page at the link we provide below where you can enter your Mac’s serial number. You should receive a response advising whether it is included in the recall. We can’t recommend using any portable device, especially charging it, if there is reason to suspect the lithium battery. It’s more sensible to turn it off and seek advice.
The FAA embargo apparently does not apply to the affected Apple Macbook Pros once the company has repaired them. Again, ask your dealer for advice.
Related
FAA Approved Batteries To Take On Board
What’s Up With Apple’s Batteries?
Preview Image: Late 2016 15-inch MacBook Pro
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