Samsung Electronics’ new Galaxy Note 7 smartphone is displayed at its store in Seoul, South Korea on September 2, 2016. Several airlines around the world asked travelers not switch on the jumbo smartphone or put it in checked baggage, with some carriers banning the phone on flights.
Advertisement
The move follows a global recall of the device by Samsung following complaints that its batteries can catch fire.
In the USA, the Consumer Product Safety Commission urged users to power down their phones and said it would be providing guidance about an official recall “as soon as possible”.
Reports that the phones’ batteries have combusted while charging or in normal use prompted the US Consumer Product Safety Commission to stop using the Note 7 device.
The U.S. government action heralds more fallout for the South Korean manufacturer, which may take a financial hit from the recall and lose customers who are concerned about the quality of its flagship phones.
In one case, a family in St Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle.
Right now, the CPSC is coordinating with Samsung to announce an official recall of the device “as soon as possible”.
The FAA sent out warnings for passengers that are still waiting for their replacement Galaxy Note 7 devices. It is one of the most expensive line-ups released by Samsung, and the devices usually inherit designs and features of the Galaxy S phones that debut in the spring.
“In light of the recent recommendations by various aviation authorities regarding the use of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone on aircraft, we strongly advise our passengers that these devices should be powered off and not connected to any power source while onboard Cathay Pacific and Dragonair flights”, a Cathay spokesman said in a statement on Saturday. The CPSC also wishes to determine whether a replacement Galaxy Note 7 is an acceptable solution for the matter.
In the latest, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been banned on all flights in India.
Advertisement
In response, Samsung said it plans to expedite new shipments of Galaxy Note 7s with safe batteries.
