Vietnam bans 15-inch Macbook Pros on flights

Passengers disembark from a Vietjet aircraft. CAAV’s local airport operators must inform ground service providers and security staff of the ban on 15-inch Macbook Pros on flights due to safety concerns – Photo: Le Anh

Based on the US Federal Aviation Administration’s announcement prohibiting the transport of 15-inch Macbook Pro units, CAAV in a statement banned air passengers and flight crews from boarding with 15-inch Macbook Pros manufactured and sold between September 2015 and February 2017.

According to Apple’s battery recall, issued in June, some units contain battery cells that might overheat, creating a fire hazard.

This laptop is also banned from being transported on cargo aircraft. Violators might be fined and barred from travel based on prevailing regulations, said CAAV.

Besides this, airlines were asked to notify their ticket counters and ticket agents about the laptop ban, while local airport operators were told to inform ground service providers and security staff. Procedures to perform a thorough check of passengers’ luggage also need to be put in place.

If a banned laptop is found, authorities have to work with the passenger concerned and the relevant parties to handle the case to avoid causing property losses for the passenger.

While on board, if crew members discover any passenger in possession of the banned laptop, they have to immediately instruct the passenger to turn it off, stop charging it and comply with the airline’s rules.