Virgin loosens laptop rules

Virgin Atlantic appears to have backtracked on the extent of its restrictions on laptop usage, saying it will only limit Dell and Apple laptop usage after checking for battery models affected by recent recalls.

Last month it emerged that Virgin had instituted a policy of barring all Dell and Apple laptops except where units could be plugged in to in-seat power supplies. The moves were taken to protect against recent reports of overheating units.

However, Virgin has now posted a notice on its site stating that it will check details before making restrictions.

“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,” the notice reads.
“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. 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.”

British Airways said it had been happy with Dell and Apple actions and had no plans to restrict usage.

“We were aware of the product recall but we knew the vendors were taking appropriate steps,” a spokesman said.