It has been a bumpy and hot ride for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 with the reports of the fire problems from the batteries. In the last week, it has all come to an end as Samsung has ended production of the Galaxy Note 7 and airlines have spoken firmly about the phone.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is a “Forbidden, Hazardous Material”
Samsung is said to be taking a loss of around $2.4 billion with the Galaxy Note 7 mess as they end production and make another global recall. Furthermore, they have offered Galaxy Note 7 owners $100 in credit to purchase a different Samsung phone. When it comes to taking the Galaxy Note 7 in the air, airlines around the country have grounded the phone and the DOT has officially stated that the Galaxy Note 7 is not allowed on US airplanes at all.
Note: This ban goes into effect at noon ET today (October 15, 2016)
Here is their statement:
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), today announced it is issuing an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States. Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States. This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will be effective on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET.
“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.”
Device owners have experienced documented incidents of dangerous evolution of heat with both recalled and replacement Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. Samsung and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) acknowledged this imminent safety hazard with the company’s September 15, 2016 and October 13, 2016 recalls. Additionally, on October 11, 2016, Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device.
“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 CPSC 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.”
Also, airlines around the world have also issued statements and warnings about bringing the phone onboard airplanes. But, when it comes to US airlines, here are things to know about this ban:
- If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, they will be denied boarding.
- Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.
- Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone. Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/[external link]. Samsung is also answering customers’ questions at 1-844-365-6197.
- If an airline representative observes that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Note7 device prior to boarding an aircraft, the air carrier must deny boarding to the passenger unless and until the passenger divests themselves and their carry-on and checked baggage of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 device. Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage.
- If a flight crew member identifies that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device while the aircraft is in flight, the crew member must instruct the passenger to power off the device, not use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, protect the device from accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks, and keep the device on their person and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carry-on baggage, for the duration of the flight.
Airlines have been issued fire containment bags to put the phones in as they create a real problem if they catch fire onboard. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is now considered a “forbidden, hazardous material” according to the US authorities in regards to devices on airplanes.
At the end of the day, I am disappointed this phone had such issues. I am an iPhone user but I have always loved Samsung phones as well and really liked the reports on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Still, it is alarming that this problem still does not have a known cause for it and it is something that should encourage all users that want to hold on to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 to send it in.
Source: DOT
