Samsung Galaxy Note 7 BANNED from US flights over ‘explosion’ fears
SAMSUNG Galaxy Note 7 owners will be blocked from boarding flights after a technical glitch led to some handsets bursting into flames.
Samsung launches Note 7 refund programme
The Federal Aviation Authority initially told GalaxyNote 7 owners not to turn their phones on or charge them on flight, and to ensure they weren’t packed in amongst checked luggage in a bid to stop a catastrophic accident.
But the US Transportation Department has stepped in to ban the phone over the safety concerns that have led to £4.3billion worth of recall fees for Samsung.
Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx 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.
The Galaxy note 7 has been banned from flights over safety fears
“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.”
It comes after a replacement Samsung Galaxy Note 7 – issued after the worldwide recall – erupted into flames on a grounded Southwest Airlines plane before take-off last week.
Samsung said it was investigating the fire.
The US Transport Department said they were putting passenger safety first
Samsung was forced to recall more than a million phones
A spokesperson for the company said: ”We are working with the authorities and Southwest now to recover the device and confirm the cause.
"Once we have examined the device we will have more information to share."
A spokesperson for Southwest Airlines told the BBC: "A customer reported smoke emitting from an electronic device.
A note 7 is believed to have caused a jeep to burst into flames
"All customers and crew deplaned safely via the main cabin door."
In other incidents defective Note 7’s burned the inside of a hotel room – causing more than £1,000 worth of damage – incinerated the inside of a Jeep and burst into flames inside one unlucky man's pocket.