macbook pro ban from flights

Seems I can't get a straight answer from anyone (airlines etc...) as to the ban. All I can find is articles, one as recent at September 2022 all vague as to how airlines are identifying the Apple laptops. Found one article where a photographer was denied allowing to bring his laptop onboard. The airline I contacted said the ban is still in effect and stated so on their website and suggested I contact TSA. TSA said the ban is in place but suggested I contact the airline. In all the confusion, rather than risk my Apple laptop getting left where I board, even though it is not part of the recall, it seems I have no choice but to purchase a PC laptop! I wish Apple or someone would get the stories straight! I've always had Apple... Any suggestions on a PC laptop I could purchase for travel?

I received this reply from TSA:

After careful review, we have determined your inquiry falls outside TSA’s jurisdiction.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations prohibit passengers and crewmembers from carrying hazardous materials and dangerous goods, such as certain types or sizes of batteries, onboard commercial aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a ban on some Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro laptops being transported on an aircraft as carry-on or checked baggage due to a potential fire risk in some batteries. To check if your battery is included please visit 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program - Apple Support.

You may also wish to contact your airline to for additional questions or concerns.

Here is a link (for example) on Alaska Airlines banning MacBook Pro 15 from all aircraft (checked and carry on): https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/baggage/prohibited-items/spare-batteries-electronic-devices

While it specifically points out MacBook Pro 15, how do they know what you have is a MacBook Pro 15 and not another model?

This article indicates some airlines may be banning ALL MacBook Pro models: https://www.techradar.com/news/macbook-pro-flight-ban-everything-you-need-to-know

So is it even possible to fly with any MacBook Pro model? Technically it is just some MacBook Pro 15 models but no one answers the question as to how they are figuring if the MacBook Pro that you have with you is the recalled model?

Apple provides a tool to determine if your model is one that is recalled: 15-inch MacBook Pro Battery Recall Program - Apple Support

However, again will you arrive at the airport with a MacBook Pro (any model) and not be allowed to bring it on board?

After the airlines, tsa etc… no response from Apple , everyone saying ask the other… I finally figured out a solution! Unfortunately, it meant that after 30 years of Apple products I bought a new PC laptop.

Both checked and carry on, Macbook Pro 15 banned from aircraft due to risk of battery catching on fire. Its listed as banned on Alaska Airlines website where I looked. Question is how do they know it is a Macbook Pro 15 and not another model? I will go look for the link and post it.

I checked with Alaska airlines, who still has the restriction on their website as current. The representative I communicated with confirmed the restriction but said to check with TSA. I have been unable to reach anyone live at TSA.

I checked with Alaska airlines, who still has the restriction on their website as "current". The representative I communicated with at Alaska Airlines confirmed the restriction (either correctly or incorrectly?). I asked how to they determine if my Apple laptop is one that is referenced and has the battery recall. I was told they did not know and to contact TSA. I have been unable to reach anyone live at TSA, I just get the run around in their automated phone system.

I can't risk my $$$$$$ Apple laptop not knowing if they will prevent me from taking it onboard even though it is a MacBook Pro 16 which is not part of the recall or restriction. So guess I will need to buy a PC laptop if I plan to travel?

I agree it is only a small number of Apple laptops referenced in the restriction I just can't determine how they are determining if mine is one of those (which it isn't).

Sorry just a bit frustrated as I couldn't get clarification from the airlines and they continue to indicate it as a ban on those batteries on their website. Regardless it appears to be a moot point now as no one here has indicated that they have had a problem and it is no longer an issue for me.

So I think we can close this out as a subject. Thank you for your input.

Not according to the airlines website who currently list it as a restriction and by conversation with the airlines (who won't give a straight answer though) but you are correct, it is for me no longer a non existent problem, I have a PC laptop now.