For weeks the cabin crews on flights taking off from the United States of America have warned Galaxy Note 7 owners to power them down while on board – now the fire-prone handsets aren’t even allowed on the plane.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has outright banned the device from carry on and checked luggage (via Bloomberg).
The Department of Transportation has also weighed in with a statement, claiming the device poses a “severe personal injury” risk.
A TSA spokesperson said: “We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority.
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Related: Best Galaxy Note 7 alternatives
The classification of this smartphone alongside other highly flammable agents is the latest blow to Samsung Mobile’s already shattered reputation.
The writing was on the wall this week when Samsung began sending out official return kits that featured three separate boxes, including one coated in fire retardant packaging.
Samsung also asserted the package much be shipped via the ground rather than air mail. After that, it was only a matter of time before airlines took similar precautions.
The company halted production of the device this week after a number of supposedly-safe replacement devices fell victim to the same overheating problems that caused an initial recall.
Four in ten Samsung phone owners have already asserted they won’t buy another phone from the firm. Just how much worse can this get for Samsung? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
UPDATE: The Verge reports Galaxy Note 7 owners will be informed via text to leave the phone at home when they head for the airport.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
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We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.