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FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

bloomberg.com

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Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#31

Post by mfer »

mttjj wrote: post #18
r1nkgrl wrote: post #6

Earlier quoted context omitted.

They'll just scan the serial number when it passes through the x-ray machine, then use some OCR script to process the image and upload it to https://support.apple.com/15-inch-macbook-pro-battery-recall /s

Okay, but does Apple change the serial number when you send it in to get it fixed? How are they supposed to know that I already sent mine in and got a replacement battery from Apple? Guess I have to carry proof around with me? (To be clear I’m not arguing with the poster I’m directly responding to. Just trying to think through this process like the OP mentioned.)

The Apple website has a lookup that will tell you if a seriel number is affected and has not already been fixed. They keep track of the fixed machines.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#32

Post by seanmcdirmid »

adonnjohn wrote: post #26
seanmcdirmid wrote: post #22

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You can open the MBP up and show the agent your About Mac window in the setting menu. It has the serial number, but more importantly, it will tell them the year of the laptop (mine says mid 2014).

Doesn't this tiptoe the line with a breach of privacy? Once the computer is unlocked, is there anything stopping them from just seizing devices if they want to review data?

From my understanding, TSA security isn't customs, so it isn't a constitution suspended zone.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#34

Post by nvrspyx »

mikeash wrote: post #19
slang800 wrote: post #11

The article doesn't explain how they intend to enforce this ban. A recalled MacBook looks identical to the non-recalled ones, so this seems like a pointless rule.

It will probably be quite effective. Travelers will see these articles, and airlines will probably send out reminders to people not to bring these machines on the plane. Most people with them will get them fixed or leave them at home, and the risk is greatly diminished. It's not a bomb where any failure to keep it off the planes is catastrophic. They can afford to have some people defying the ban.

Even if it gets fixed, how would TSA know that? If TSA doesn't check at all, then the "solution" is relying on people following a rule that has no enforcement.

How many people are going to actually read these articles to know which models are affected? How many people are going to remember the articles when it's time for them to go to the airport? How many people are simply going to ignore the rule because their MBP is their primary computer and would rather not go without it?

Can they afford to have some people or most people defying the ban? Because as it stands, it's impossible to tell how many people are just going to voluntarily follow a rule with (close to) zero enforcement....unless they actually enforce it

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#35

Post by mindgam3 »

Not quite as bad as it sounds.

> Laptops that have replaced batteries won’t be impacted

Edit: re how to check, in theory you could prove it was fixed by showing the service receipt from Apple. In practice, I have no idea what would happen. But I feel like you'd get through if you showed up with a printed receipt taped to your laptop.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#38

Post by tyingq »

1e-9 wrote: post #8

In addition to the 432,000 Macbook Pros sold in the US from mid-2015 to 2017 being outright banned from flying, there will be all the other Mackbook Pros sold from about 2013 to mid-2015 that outwardly look just like the banned ones. I suppose all those lookalikes will be pulled out and have their serial numbers checked, which is in microscopic print on the back, which will definitely slow down Pre-check when you wou…

"suppose all those lookalikes will be pulled out and have their serial numbers checked"

I can almost guarantee the TSA will invest zero dollars or time into deciding which MacBooks are okay. This is Apple's problem to solve. Zero time, money or attention from the TSA or the airlines will be invested. If the FAA bans any Macbooks, all "Apple looking thingies" will be effectively banned.

Source: 3 decades of govt and airline experience.

Advice: Buy a Dell sticker to cover the apple logo on your MacBook. Or some similarly silly thing like an "Apple Store FAA compliant sticker" program. (I'm linking back to this comment later when it happens :)

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#39

Post by 1e-9 »

seanmcdirmid wrote: post #22
1e-9 wrote: post #8

In addition to the 432,000 Macbook Pros sold in the US from mid-2015 to 2017 being outright banned from flying, there will be all the other Mackbook Pros sold from about 2013 to mid-2015 that outwardly look just like the banned ones. I suppose all those lookalikes will be pulled out and have their serial numbers checked, which is in microscopic print on the back, which will definitely slow down Pre-check when you wou…

You can open the MBP up and show the agent your About Mac window in the setting menu. It has the serial number, but more importantly, it will tell them the year of the laptop (mine says mid 2014).

Along with the hassle of opening the laptop, powering it on, and clicking About This Mac; you would have the security issue of entering your password while surrounded by other people and cameras. None of the verification options seem very appealing.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#40

Post by saagarjha »

mindgam3 wrote: post #35

Not quite as bad as it sounds. > Laptops that have replaced batteries won’t be impacted Edit: re how to check, in theory you could prove it was fixed by showing the service receipt from Apple. In practice, I have no idea what would happen. But I feel like you'd get through if you showed up with a printed receipt taped to your laptop.

How are they going to check this?
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