Virgin eases in-flight Apple, Dell laptop battery limits

Only machines unaffected by vendors' recalls

By Tony Smith • Get more from this author

22nd September 2006 19:11 GMT

Exclusive Virgin Atlantic has updated its restrictions for the use of Apple- and Dell-branded notebook computers on its flights. The good news: the ban on battery use is no longer total - the company is now restricting only those batteries whose serial numbers are covered by the vendors' product recalls.

Says Virgin: "If the battery is identified as being from the affected batch as identified by Apple and Dell, the battery must be removed. In cabins where the seats are fitted with In Seat Power Supplies, leads/adapters will be offered. Where no ISPS is provided or no laptop leads/adapters are available, the use of these affected laptops is prohibited."

The carrier added: "Any removed or spare batteries must be individually wrapped/protected and placed in your Carry On Baggage. This is limited to two batteries per passenger."

News of Virgin's initial, blanket ban on Apple and Dell batteries was exclusively revealed by Reg Hardware on 14 September. At the time, the airline was ruling out the use of a battery with any laptop made by Apple or Dell, whether they were covered by the manufacturers' product recalls or not. ®