All Galaxy Note 7's Now Banned From Airplanes
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WASHINGTON D.C. (CBSDFW.COM) – The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), issued an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.
Individuals who own or possess any Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport it on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States. Also, the phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will take effect at noon (ET) on Saturday, October 15, 2016.
"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."
Device owners have experienced incidents of dangerous levels of heat with both recalled and replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. On October 11, 2016, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.
"The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall," said Consumer Protection Safety Commission Chairman Elliot F. Kaye
Here's what air travelers should know:
- If individuals attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, the phones may be confiscated and may face fines.
- Individuals who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.
- Individuals currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone.
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 device is considered a forbidden hazardous material. If an airline representative sees an individual in possession of a Note7 prior to boarding an aircraft, they will deny boarding to that individual until the passenger rids themselves and their baggage of the device. Samsung is answering customers' questions at 1-844-365-6197.
For additional information on the recall, visit the CPSC website or for refund and replacement options visit the Samsung website.
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