Travel Technology - Virgin Atlantic bans Dell and Apple battery use

http://www.geek.com/news/geeknews/2006Sep/gee20060918038615.htm

Qantas and Korean Air did it, and now Virgin Atlantic has joined the growing list of airlines telling passengers they can't use Dell and Apple laptops on battery power.

I have to say that this ban makes infinitely more sense than banning water and toothpaste.

Are the going to ban IBM too seeing that battery exploded in LAX? I can't imagine this being long term.

Are the going to ban IMB too seeing that battery exploded in LAX? I can't imagine this being long term.

I think you meant IBM. :p

Right, so that's Korean, Quantas and Virgin which does not want my business - am I forgetting anyone?

Or, have these three airlines finally decided to do the smart thing, and installed power on all seats in all classes?

I have to say that this ban makes infinitely more sense than banning water and toothpaste.I beg to differ. There are explosive components that cannot be distinguished visually from water. My laptop, though made by Apple, can easily be distinguished visually from any of the models involved in the Sony battery recall. Banning it makes less sense than banning water.

Right, so that's Korean, Quantas and Virgin which does not want my business - am I forgetting anyone?

Or, have these three airlines finally decided to do the smart thing, and installed power on all seats in all classes?
You will have problems dealing with Quantas. :)

And you can use your Dell on Qantas inflight - either battery alone, or from aircraft mains power. Not both.

What Qantas says about using a Dell notebook onboard (http://qantas.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/qantas.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=553)

Hmmm...what if I already have my replacement PowerBook battery from Apple? It only took 2 weeks to get my new replacement battery.

Toshiba laptops will probably be the next brand added to the no battery list by these airlines.

Is the problem only when recharging or when using it on battery power?

If there are no power ports in seats to recharge the batteries, maybe it's not a legitimate issue?

Sony laptop batteries seem fairly widespread.

Even if they identify certain brands, how are they enforcing the ban? Do the security checkpoints tell you you can't take those brands on board?

Or the flight attendants have to tell people not to use them?

From Virgin's US website...

http://www.virgin-atlantic.com/en/us/passengerinformation/latestnews/index.jsp

Customers wishing to use an Apple or Dell laptop on board can only do so once the laptop battery serial number has been checked by a member of the Cabin Crew.

- If the battery is permitted for use, the laptop may be used as normal on board, with no further restrictions.

- If however 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.

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.

Virgin Atlantic is in communication with Apple and Dell. As soon as this safety issue is resolved these restrictions will be lifted.

Soon you will have to bring on board a personal hand crank to create electricity for your electronic devices. Later, that will be banned also.