U.S. Department of Transportation Bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on All Domestic Flights

The Federal Aviation Administration has banned plane passengers from bringing Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 on board.

Photo Removed
Complex Original

Blank pixel used during image takedowns

Photo Removed

In a move that almost certainly does not bode well for consumer confidence in Samsung, the U.S. Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, announced Friday it was banning all passengers of air travel from carrying their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on board in any capacity.

The new policy, which applies to all domestic flights, comes after a string of customers have reported that their phones have spontaneously combusted. Samsung "acknowledged this imminent safety hazard" when it issued recalls on the devices on Sept. 15 and Oct. 13, the DOT said. 

“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” transportation secretary Anthony Foxx said in the statement. “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.”

Passengers who attempt to travel on a domestic flight with the Galaxy Note 7 will be denied boarding, as well as become subject to criminal prosecution and fines. The DOT noted that people who try to "evade the ban" by putting their phones in a checked bag increase risk of "a catastrophic incident." 

The notice also urged Samsung customers to take advantage of the company's offer of a full refund to those who had purchased the device. 

“The fire hazard with the original Note 7 and with the replacement Note 7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall,” said U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot F. Kaye. “I would like to remind consumers once again to take advantage of the remedies offered, including a full refund. It’s the right thing to do and the safest thing to do.”

 

Latest in Life