Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Phones Have Been Banned From U.S. Air Travel

                        Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Samsung Galaxy Note7 smart phone devices will be banned from air transportation in the United States starting Saturday at noon EDT (1600 GMT) under an emergency order, regulators said Friday. In the wake of Samsung’s global recall of the Galaxy Note 7, the US has now banned the device on all aircraft, even if they’re turned off. Previously, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) only issued a warning to have passengers keep the phones powered down during flights. But now, Bloomberg reports, you can’t bring it on the plane at all.

This follows recent news that Samsung has ended the production and sales of the Note 7 entirely due to smoke and fire incidents, which happened even to replacement handsets. It’s not entirely clear when the phone would be taken away from you — whether it’d be during the security screening or when you’re on board the plane — but if you haven’t already returned it, you should at least do so before your next flight.
The Department of Transportation has issued a statement regarding the ban, clarifying that the ban is effective this Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET. As reported, the Galaxy Note 7 is not allowed on their person, in carry-on or in checked baggage, or even shipped as air cargo.

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 Fox in the statement. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident in flight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.

The order from the U.S. Transportation Department and other agencies bars owners from carrying on the devices or in baggage during flights. Passengers attempting to transport them could be fined or have them confiscated.
Earlier this week, Samsung Electronics Co Ltd suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device following numerous reports of the phones catching fire.