AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Malaysia Airlines, All Nippon Airways and Air New Zealand announced bans on the Galaxy Note 7 following an emergency order by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) stating that the devices would no longer be allowed on planes.
Samsung has received nearly 100 U.S. complaints of Note 7 batteries overheating — including at least 23 reports in replacement devices — since the September 15 recall, according to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC). The company has also received 13 reports of burns and 47 reports of property damage associated with Note 7 fires.
“The fire hazard with the original Note 7 and with the replacement Note 7 is simply too great for anyone to risk it and not respond to this official recall,” said CPSC Chairman Elliot Kaye.
The Galaxy Note 7 will now be classified in the same category as flammable aerosols, fireworks, lighter fluid and light-anywhere matches, according to the DOT.
U.S. Officials said passengers who are caught sneaking prohibited smartphones onto planes could face fines and criminal prosecution for evasion of a federal flight ban.
Source: CNN Money