If you thought Dell's bad press was over with some our earlier articles today, you'd be quite wrong. Unfortunately for Dell laptop owners, Qantas Airlines has issued an advisory on the carrying and use of Dell laptops on their planes.

After word of Dell's battery problems and their subsequent recall, the airline has focused on safety first. Qantas is allowing passengers to bring their laptops with them as carry-on or cabin baggage but only allowing for their use after having the battery removed and checked. They would also be allowed to use the laptops through the aircraft's power supply, which is usually available only on first-class or business class cabins. This precaution is being implemented for all Dell laptops, regardless of whether it is a model affected by the battery recall or not.

While the airline isn't sure how long they'll be having this precaution, they will be keeping watch on developments from Dell. At the same time, Dell has also issued a statement agreeing with Qantas' advice. As a Dell spokesman explained, "The safety of our customers comes first and our direct relationships with customers mean we must always do the right thing for them when it comes to service and product support. We are working closely with Qantas."

Whether Dell owners are pleased at the precautions is one thing, but Dell is showing good PR when it comes to making sure no more accidents occur, and that has to count for something. Their damage control after the news of the defective batteries is keeping some of their customers satisfied, at the very least.