Qantas and Virgin ban popular laptops from checked-in luggage

Australia’s major airlines have banned passengers from having Apple MacBooks in their checked-in luggage.

Virgin Australia confirmed the ban to Yahoo News Australia on Tuesday over safety concerns.

“The safety of our guests and crew is always our highest priority,” a Virgin Australia spokesperson said.

“Due to the worldwide recall of some Apple MacBooks, we are requesting all guests take their Apple MacBooks as carry-on luggage as a safety precaution.”

The new rule will mean Virgin Australia passengers in possession of a MacBook must keep the device on their person.

While the recalled model is specifically for the Apple MacBook Pro Retina 15-inch mid-2015 product, Virgin Australia’s ban will apply to all Apple MacBooks.

Like Virgin, Qantas also confirmed a ban on the MacBooks in response to the recall.

But the latter’s ban will only apply to MacBook Pro models, rather than all MacBook devices.

“Until further notice, all 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 Yahoo News Australia.

Fellow major airline Jetstar is following suit on the ban, with a spokesperson from the airline saying they were taking a “group approach” to the ban over the safety concerns.

It is not known how long the airlines’ MacBook ban will last.

The MacBook model, which is the subject of the product recall, was primarily sold between between September 2015 and February 2017.

According to Product Safety Australia who issued the recall for the defective model on June 21, the MacBook Pro (Retina, 15-inch, mid-2015 model) was recalled over a potential fire hazard.

“Consumers can use the serial number look-up tool on Apple’s website to determine if their 15-inch MacBook Pro is affected by the recall,” Product Safety Australia said.

Those in possession of this particular model are urged to stop using it immediate and to have the battery replaced, which can be done free of charge.

For more information, visit Product Safety Australia’s recall notice relating to the device on their website.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.