Air passengers warned against using ‘fire-risk’ Galaxy phones on flights

Airline passengers should not turn on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during flights or stow them in checked baggage, aviation officials have said. The warning comes a week after Samsung suspended Note 7 sales amid reports that a battery problem led to some devices catching fire during charging. The US Federal Aviation Administration said that it “strongly advises” passengers to follow its guidance. Qantas and Virgin Australia have already given their customers similar advice.

In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage

U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

Last week, Samsung recalled 2.5 million Note 7 devices after confirming 35 cases of its rechargeable lithium batteries catching fire. In one case, a family in Florida reported that their device left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle. Samsung admits it is struggling to identify exactly which devices are most at risk. Nonetheless, it is highly unusual for aviation officials to warn passengers about a specific product. A spokesman for Washington-based trade group Airlines for America, said the group was “closely monitoring any developments as this issue evolves”.

However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note 7.

passengers about a specific product.United Continental Holdings Inc, American Airlines Frankfurt: A1W97M

Samsung Galaxy