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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

#71

Post by AlexDragusin »

I am wondering how long this non-removable battery fiasco is gonna last, instead of an expensive recall it would been a simple battery recall and swap that doesn't involve leaving the laptop in service for any amount of time and doable on short notice so the travelers would not be inconvenienced.

On top of that, when non-removable batteries fail, they usually take down the whole device with them beyond repair, while a properly placed removable battery at the edge (back) of the device would less likely do damage the device.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#72

Post by mason55 »

ohnope wrote: post #30

My MacBook model / year matches the recall, but my serial number isn't eligible. Does that mean I need to go to Apple's recall webpage and input the serial number at the TSA checkpoint? This is going to be interesting.

I’m in the same boat. And also in the middle of a business trip with my laptop.

Hopefully I don’t have any problems on the way home because I have no idea what I will do.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#73

Post by peterburkimsher »

1e-9 wrote: post #39
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).

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.

I flew Etihad from Sydney to Abu Dhabi last week. They warned transiting customers that phones and laptops must be charged up before passing airport security in the UK or US.

The TSA already requires that laptops and phones must be powered-on on demand to "prove that they're real". That's already a cybersecurity risk.

I'm relieved that the banned laptops doesn't include my 15" mid-2014 MacBook Pro, or my dad's hand-me-down 13" mid-2015 MacBook Pro that he generously gave to me last week after I helped him repair it.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#75

Post by mruts »

mason55 wrote: post #72
ohnope wrote: post #30

My MacBook model / year matches the recall, but my serial number isn't eligible. Does that mean I need to go to Apple's recall webpage and input the serial number at the TSA checkpoint? This is going to be interesting.

I’m in the same boat. And also in the middle of a business trip with my laptop. Hopefully I don’t have any problems on the way home because I have no idea what I will do.

No one actually cares. Weed is also banned on planes, TSA agents have found some of mine on my carry on a couple times, and no one bats an eye.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#76

Post by abrowne »

saghm wrote: post #17
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…

> 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. Am I missing something? Weren't the 2016 models the ones that changed to USB-C, q flatter keyboard, etc.? Those don't look identical to the 2015 and earlier models

Apple built and sold the 2015 model for another couple years alongside the USB-C ones.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#78

Post by pdonis »

tyingq wrote: post #38
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 a…

If the FAA bans an item, it's up to the airline, not TSA, to ensure that such items are not in either carry-on or checked luggage.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#79

Post by pdonis »

tyingq wrote: post #9

The TSA will clearly have issues managing this. All MacBooks look the same to them. They can't currently manage basic stuff like "baby formula might need different rules than our 3oz standard for liquids." Expect pressure on Apple to make it a non-issue.

If the FAA bans an item, it's up to the airline, not TSA, to ensure that such items are not in either carry-on or checked luggage.

Re: FAA Bans Recalled Apple Laptops from Flights

#80

Post by pdonis »

zwkrt wrote: post #4
jonnismash wrote: post #3

How the heck would a TSA agent know the difference

Is the onus on the owner of the laptop or TSA? I guess both, but if you end up on a plane and something happens could you be prosecuted? The FAA is an organization I would not like to get on the wrong side of

If the FAA bans an item, it's up to the airline to ensure that such items are not in either carry-on or checked luggage.
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