FAA strongly advises: not use Galaxy Note 7 on flights
Sep 10, 2016
Official warning comes as Australian airline prohibits charging of fiery smartphone
THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION (FAA) is "strongly advising" travellers not to charge or switch on their Galaxy Note 7 while flying.
While it hasn't officially banned the Galaxy Note 7, the US aviation watchdog has spoken out about Samsung's fiery smartphone and is asking passengers to keen them turned off and out of checked baggage.
"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," the FAA said in a statement.
While the FAA hasn't gone so far as to ban the smartphone from flights, which is likely due to the fact that Samsung hasn't followed the proper procedure for a device recall in the US, Australian airline Qantas warned passengers this week that charging the Galaxy Note 7 on board one of its planes is now prohibited.
Quantas confirmed the decision in a statement given to the Sydney Morning Herald. "Following the worldwide recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note7 we are requesting that passengers do not charge them inflight," said a spokesperson.
Delta has is also considering what steps to take, with a spokesperson for the airline saying in a statement: "Delta is in constant contact with the FAA and other bodies in its run of business as a global airline.
"We will comply with any directive and are studying this matter. Safety and security is always Delta's top priority."
Here in the UK, Samsung launched its Galaxy Note 7 Exchange Programme this week for Brits who already have the smartphone or have one on pre-order.
The firm said that those who received their Galaxy Note 7 before the official, and promptly halted, UK launch will have their devices replaced from 19 September.
Samsung added that handset exchanges will take priority over sales of new, presumably non-exploding, devices.
Source: Inquirer