Following the news of Samsung permanently discontinuing the glitchy Samsung Galaxy Note 7, airline companies are now banning the smartphone from flights.
On Friday (14th October 2016), US transport authorities issued an emergency order banning the phones, adding that anyone attempting to travel with the recalled handsets may face fines and have the devices confiscated.
The move affected not only US-based airline companies but also carriers flying to the US. Shortly after, carriers in Australia, Europe, and Asia followed suit, including Air Berlin, Dragonair, Virgin Australia, Qantas, Jetstar, Lufthansa, Cathay Pacific, Asiana Airlines, EVA Air, and more. Jetstar said in a statement, “The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage.” while Virgin Australia took it to the next level by advising passenger not to bring the Galaxy Note 7 to airports.
Philippines-based Cebu Pacific is planning a total ban from tomorrow (Tuesday, 18th October) onwards, warning that those who attempt to pack the smartphone in checked baggage or send it via cargo may be liable for criminal charges.
Closer to home, Singapore Airlines announced that the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone has been prohibited from being brought on board all their flights in person, in carry-on or check-in baggage. “The smartphone also cannot be shipped as air cargo. Anyone found in possession of the device will be denied boarding,” the airline added.
AirAsia, too, released an official statement to say that they will no longer allow the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone on any of their flights effective today (Monday, 17th October), citing safety concerns.
According to USA Today, Samsung has received 96 US reports of batteries in the devices overheating, including 23 new reports since the 15th September recall, according to the commission. Samsung’s global recall of 2.5 million Note 7s could end up costing as much as USD17 billion, according to analysts.
Meanwhile, Malaysian Samsung Galaxy Note 7 pre-order owners have the option of refund or exchange to the Samsung Galaxy S7edge provided that they return their current Samsung Galaxy Note 7 accordingly. For further inquiries, contact Samsung Malaysia’s Careline at 1-800-88-7799.
Sources: USA Today, Singapore Airlines, AirAsia, Cebu Pacific Air.
