Virgin Atlantic bans use of Apple, Dell batteries
Virgin Atlantic has become the third airline to impose restrictions on laptops, following the recall of millions of ‘exploding’ batteries.
The airline has banned the in-flight use of most Dell and Apple laptops, following recalls of thousands of batteries by both computer makers. The decision follows similar moves by Qantas and Korean Air.
Only a small proportion of the laptops are affected by the faulty batteries, but the new Virgin policy, announced on Friday, bans passengers from bringing batteries for any Apple or Dell laptop on board.
Customers can carry a limit of two batteries in their carry-on baggage, if they are “individually wrapped/protected”, Virgin said in a passenger announcement published on its site.
Dell announced last month that it would recall 4.1 million notebook computer batteries made by Sony because they could overheat and catch fire. Apple also said last month that it would recall 1.8 million Sony-made batteries for similar reasons.
Passengers can use the affected laptops on board only if the battery is removed, Virgin said. This effectively means passengers can only use Dell or Apple laptops in Premier Economy or Upper Class seats, which ordinarily are the only seats with in-seat power supplies (ISPS), according to a Virgin spokeswoman. For those passengers, Virgin will supply leads or adapters if needed.
“Where no ISPS is provided or no laptop leads/adapters are available, the use of Apple and Dell laptops is prohibited,” the policy reads.
Full story: ZDNet AU
