At least 12 airlines have banned the Samsung Galaxy Note7 phone from checked luggage after reports of exploding batteries in the phone model. They are also requesting that flyers refrain from powering on or charging these phones during flights.
Bangkok Airways, AirAsia, AirAsia X, Thai Airways, Thai Smiles, Singapore Airlines, Qantas, Virgin Australia, Emirates, FlyDubai, Air Arabia and Etihad are the companies that have restricted use and carrying of the Note7.
The reason for the ban is recent reports of explosions from malfunctioning batteries in these phones. Passengers in possession of these phones have been asked to notify flight staff if their Note7 breaks, becomes hot or emits smoke during a flight, reported Bangkok Post.
Last week, after the reports of explosions while charging due to bad batteries, Samsung stopped selling the model and recalled 2.5 million phones that have been sold.
As of Friday, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission asked owners of the Samsung model to stop using it.
On Saturday, Samsung released a statement announcing a global replacement program for the phones.
“Our number one priority is the safety of our customers. We are asking users to power down their Galaxy Note7s and exchange them as soon as possible,” says DJ Koh, President of Mobile Communications Business for Samsung.
The company noted that customers who own Galaxy Note7s can replace them with a new device based on local availability. Owners should contact the story where they bought the phone or call a local Samsung call center.
Wongchan Tangsongsak, Media Relations Director for Samsung Thailand, noted that any Note7 that has been ordered or is to be shipped will come from new stock as soon as it’s available.
