MacBook Pro FAA ban - Experiences

[otozuz]

I was wondering if anyone who owns a MacBook Pro that is between mid-2015 and Feb 2017 — but that is not affected by the recall or had the battery replaced — already took a flight and can share their experience with security.

I’m flying tomorrow, and I own a MacBook Pro 15” mid-2015. The serial number check says it is not eligible for the recall program, so I should be good to go, but all I can do is printing Apple’s webpage that says that (which is silly to me because it can be very easily forged).

I doubt the security agents at SFO will take the time to check serial numbers. What am I supposed to do if they don’t let me pass? Leave the MacBook Pro there?

That’s why I was curious to hear if anyone already experienced going through security.

 

[Five_Oh]

Leave it behind if possible.

If not, get there early, bring the printout, and maybe have the Apple page to check the serial number bookmarked for easy reference?

Good luck and let us know what happens!

 

[Fuchal]

I just flew with TSA pre-check and it went just as smoothly as normal.

 

[ian-frs]

Has anyone flown recently and had any issues? I'm flying on Friday and a bit paranoid they won't let me to bring my MacBook even though its a 2018.

 

[jerryk]

I flew 2 times in the last couple of weeks on SWA. Neither the TSA or Southwest said anything about the ban. I had TSA-Pre so left my 2018 15" MBP in my backpack. It went right through the scanner, no questions asked. On the flight I did not hear any announcements about the ban. I carry an iPad for inflight entertainment so did not pull out my laptop during the flight.

 

[Howard2k]

My last flight they announced on the plane that if you had a "MacBook Pro Air" you should contact the flight staff.

I flew just a couple of days after the accoutrement so I had printed off the details of the recall, and documentation showing that my MacBook wasn't affected (the serial number search page). No issues.

But I would certainly consider leaving it at home.

 

[ian-frs]

I would love to leave it at home if I could, but its my work computer and I need it for the trip.