Virgin Atlantic Airways, a U.K.-based airline, has added a new restriction that bars passengers from using Apple and Dell laptops running on battery power while in flight, according to a statement posted on the company’s website.

In August, both Dell and Apple announced massive recalls of notebook batteries that contained faulty power cells manufactured by Sony. The firms recalled a total of 5.9 million Sony-made batteries after reports that some had exploded.

Virgin Atlantic customers can still use their Apple and Dell laptops while onboard flights, but they’ll need to be sitting in seats with power outlets and their batteries will need to be removed, “wrapped/protected,” and stowed away in carry-on luggage, according to the statement. Each passenger will be able to take a maximum of two batteries on board, and people assigned to seats without power outlets will be barred from using their Dell or Apple laptops completely, according to the statement.

“Customers wanting to use an Apple or Dell laptop on board can only do so if the battery is removed,” the statement reads. “Virgin is in communication with Apple and Dell. As soon as this safety issue is resolved these restrictions will be lifted.”

Korean Air, South Korea’s largest airline, recently instituted a similar ban of Apple and Dell notebook computers running on battery power.

Related Links:

• Dell to Recall 4.1M Batteries Due to Fire Hazard
  
• Apple to Recall 1.8M Laptop Batteries
  
• Apple, Dell Plot Battery Standards
  
• Canon to Recall Copiers Due to Fire Hazard

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