Qantas Joins Growing List of Airlines That Ban 15-Inch MacBook Pros From Checked Luggage

Qantas has joined the growing list of carriers that have banned passengers from checking 15-inch MacBook Pros in their luggage. The ban, which is effective immediately, follows Apple's warning that the laptops could overheat and catch fire.

"Until further notice, all 15-inch Apple MacBook Pros must be carried in cabin baggage and switched off for flight following a recall notice issued by Apple," a Qantas spokesperson told BT.

Qantas serves Australia from four US airports: New York-JFK, Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX).

Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration banned passengers from either bringing on or checking select devices, following Apple's recall of some MacBook Pros from select years. The EU Safety Agency has also issued a warning for the devices, saying passengers are required to keep the devices turned off throughout the flight, as well as not being able to charge them.

Both Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways have advised passengers to refrain from bringing the devices on board their aircraft, either in carry-on bags or in hold luggage. Additionally, Virgin Australia has banned all Apple MacBooks, regardless of year, from being checked.

"Due to a worldwide recall by Apple of a number of Apple MacBook batteries, ALL MacBooks must be placed in carry-on baggage only," the carrier said in a statement earlier this week.

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Click here for more information on how to tell if your MacBook is part of Apple's recall.