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Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones banned from all US airplanes – Metro US

Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones banned from all US airplanes

Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones banned from all US airplanes
Reuters

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday a ban of all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices onairplanes in the United States.

This ban includescarrying the devices on the plane in any form, such as carry-on baggage and in checked luggage. They also cannot be shipped as air cargo.

The ban will be effective on Saturday, Oct. 15 starting at noon.

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

The world’s largest smartphone maker announced a global recall of at least 2.5 million of its flagship Note 7 smartphones in 10 markets last month due to faulty batteries causing some phones to catch fire.

Owners have also experienced documented incidents of overheating with replacement devices, which led to the company on Oct. 11 to suspended the manufacture and sale of all Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones.

“The fire hazard with the original Note7 and with the replacement Note7 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.”

-Reuters contributed to this report