Macbook air cracked hinge-repaired by Apple for free even though i'm out of warranty!

[Khurram]

So the left hinge on my macbook air rev a gave out a couple days ago.

I read the horror stories of it costing 800 to fix and even if it's in warranty apple would not cover it while considering it "accidental damage".

So I made an appointment at the genius bar with pretty low expectations.

My warranty expired in Feb but AMEX has an extended warranty program and they wanted me to get a quote from apple first. However if apple said it was accidental damage they would not be able to repair/reimburse me either.

So I get to the bar and the genius takes a look and says "that's too bad".
He takes it to the backroom to show someone and check if the parts are available.

5 minutes later he comes back out and says that because my air falls under a special category of damage for this specific model that it would be repaired for FREE even though i'm 5 months out of warranty!!!

I couldn't believe my ears! He showed me the work authorization for me to sign and it said:

Issue description: cracking near display clutch
Issue Verified: YEs
Proposed solution: Send to depot and service under *here they had entered an article number and name* I don't want to post it up in case it's a unique number.

"Repair should be a Covered Repair through Apple. Please read repair notes for the explanation as to why"

So when I asked how it was being covered he said not to worry about it but he could not give me the details about why it was being repaired for free even out of warranty.


I'm assuming that either apple has fessed up to the situation with the faulty hinges and is now repairing them for free or I just got extremely lucky!

Either way, i'm so relieved that it will be repaired.

Estimated time to get it back is 5-7 days.

 

[mhnajjar]

Its always good to hear such great news

 

[Khurram]

I just feel bad for others that have been turned away.

However..perhaps they have started a new policy and it's worth trying again.

 

[SKINSnCANES]

I just feel bad for others that have been turned away.

However..perhaps they have started a new policy and it's worth trying again.

When they just sent my Rev A out for heating issues they automatically replaced the hinges and the screen even though I didnt say anything was wrong with them. They must have aknowledged the issue at this point and are fixing anyone that asks

 

[Mactagonist]

post the article number and name. I am sure it is general description of the issue and not personally identifying. Having that info could help a lot of people with broken Airs who need to convince skeptical genius bar employees that it is a real issue.

 

[Scottsdale]

Nice to know Apple is finally recognizing this issue. What about the hundreds of people who have explained here that Apple wouldn't cover their MBA even within the 12-month warranty! Probably realized charging a ridiculous price for customers Apple has already overcharged for a product that mostly didn't deliver within the common expectations of a Mac, then dropped the value without concern for customers who did pay Apple a fortune! I believe they should do more than just replace the hinges for free, as they are obviously faulty. One thing I do wonder though, is what age group you are in, and how you were dressed when visiting the store??? I believe that Apple thinks it's okay to assume that young kids intentionally broke their display trying to make it bend back further... or if they're not dressed well, they are often disrespected. I am in my late 30s, and when I walk in with a suit on after working, I get treated like a person (they still are conceited) who at least doesn't intentionally damage his own Macs. One time when in shorts and a t-shirt, after picking up my MBP that they damaged during repair, they blamed me and said that the screws were missing and damage was there when I brought it in. I said why wasn't it documented then. I then proceeded to show the manager the photos I took in the store showing the MBP in perfect condition. I truly believe that we all need to walk into the Apple store in a suit and tie to be treated like we give a damn about our Macs!