Samsung voluntarily initiated the recall on September 2 due to faulty batteries causing the high-end smartphone to catch fire.
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US and Japanese aviation authorities have urged passengers not to turn on or charge the large-screen phones on aircraft, while the US Federal Aviation Administration has told passengers not to stow the device in checked baggage.
“We are asking users to power down their Galaxy Note 7s and exchange them as soon as possible”, said Koh Dong-jin, Samsung’s mobile president.
“We are expediting replacement devices so that they can be provided through the exchange program as conveniently as possible and in compliance with related regulations”, the statement added.
Note 7 users can take their phones on board airplanes but the phones must be powered off and cannot be connected to a charging device.
Things keep going from bad to worse for Samsung and its new Galaxy Note 7.
Samsung’s worldwide recall of 2.5 million Note 7’s just two weeks after the phone’s launch is unprecedented in the smartphone industry. For example, USA law prohibits the sale or resale of any recalled item once CPSC acts.
The agency said it is working with Samsung to formally announce a recall of the devices.
The US’s FAA has issued a warning to passengers in which it strongly advised them to not turn on or charge the phone during a flight.
Caribbean Airlines pointed to safety as its number one priority regarding its passengers and crew.
In a statement, Samsung confirmed that it’s collaborating with the CPSC, and also says it’s no longer selling or shipping phones affected by the issue. Singapore Airlines Ltd. has barred travelers from powering up or charging the devices on flights, the company said in an e-mail.
Along with the recall, Samsung has been forced to delay the handset’s planned release this month in several European countries including France.
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Reportedly, and which likely wouldn’t come as surprise right now, the battery of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 also gets hot. The Note series is one of Samsung’s most expensive, and demand for the phone had been high.
