US Galaxy Note 7 Flight Ban

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones are banned on flights to and from the US starting on Saturday 16:00 GMT.

18:20 17 October 2016

The US Department of Transportation has officially banned Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on flights following reports of the device catching fire. Starting on Saturday 16:00 GMT, passengers will no longer be allowed to take the phone on flights to and from the US. 

 

In a statement, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said: "We recognise that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,"

 

"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."

 

Samsung had recalled around 2.5 million phones in September after complaints of exploding batteries. The company has permanently stopped Galaxy Note 7 production this week.

 

US Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot Kaye said: "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.”

 

"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."