SIA bans some older 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops as batteries are fire hazards

Batteries need to be changed before they can be brought on board.

Belmont Lay | August 26, 2019, 11:27 AM

Some older models of Apple's 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops have been banned on Singapore Airlines (SIA) flights.

This was after Apple recalled certain units with batteries that pose fire risks.

SIA statement

The airline made a statement about the ban on Sunday, Aug. 25.

The battery has to be verified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer before travellers are allowed to bring the affected models either as hand-carry or in checked baggage.

SIA urged MacBook Pro users to check up on their products on Apple's website, which is the Apple’s MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program page.

MacBook Pro owners can check if the product is affected by the recall using the laptop's serial number.

Apple recall

Apple began recalling a "limited number" of 15-inch MacBook Pro units as their batteries were susceptible to overheating.

The units were sold between September 2015 and February 2017.

The recall does not affect other units or Mac notebooks, Apple said.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) banned the affected laptops on all flights following Apple's June recall.

This is SIA's statement in full:

Recall of Older Generation 15-inch MacBook Pro Models

Apple has recently announced a recall of a limited number of older generation 15-inch MacBook Pro models. Affected models were sold primarily between September 2015 and February 2017.

Customers are to refrain from bringing the affected models either as hand-carry or in checked baggage until the battery has been verified as safe or replaced by the manufacturer.

Please visit Apple’s MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program page to get more information on whether your product is affected, as well as on the available battery replacement options.