
In 2016, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from all air transportation in the United States due to reports of the devices catching fire and exploding. The U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration issued an emergency order, classifying the device as hazardous material. This ban included carrying the device on one's person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage. Similar bans were also implemented by airlines and carriers in other parts of the world, including Australia, Asia, and Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Device | Samsung Galaxy Note7 |
| Ban | All air transportation in the United States |
| Reason | Reports of devices catching fire and exploding |
| Action | Individuals cannot transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage |
| Penalty | Passengers attempting to evade the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution and fines |
| Alternative | Contact Samsung or a wireless carrier to return the device and obtain a refund or replacement |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- The US Department of Transportation banned the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from all air transportation in 2016
- The ban was due to reports of phones catching fire and exploding
- Airlines began to stock fire-containment bags to handle electronics flare-ups
- Samsung ended production of the Note 7 and offered refunds and replacements
- The ban applied to carry-on and checked luggage, with passengers denied boarding if they had the device

The US Department of Transportation banned the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from all air transportation in 2016
The US Department of Transportation (DOT), in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), issued an emergency order in 2016 to ban the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from all air transportation in the United States. The ban, which came into effect on October 15, 2016, prohibited individuals from transporting the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the country. This included all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, regardless of their power status.
The decision to ban the device from air transportation was made due to safety concerns. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was found to have a fire hazard issue, with the potential to generate a dangerous evolution of heat. This posed a significant risk to the safety of passengers and crew on aircraft. Samsung had previously issued a recall of the device on September 15, 2016, and October 13, 2016, and had suspended its manufacture and sale on October 11, 2016.
The DOT's ban on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was announced through an emergency order, which is a rare but necessary step to ensure the safety of air transportation. The order was communicated to the public and affected passengers through various channels, including the Federal Register, the DOT's website, and Samsung's own communications. The ban was also enforced by airline carriers, who were responsible for denying boarding to passengers found to be in possession of the device prior to boarding.
Passengers who owned the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 were instructed to contact Samsung or their wireless carrier to obtain information about returning their devices and arranging for a refund or replacement. Samsung provided guidance and contact information on their website and through a dedicated phone line. The company also worked with airlines to communicate the ban and ensure its enforcement.
The ban on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from air transportation in the United States was a significant event that highlighted the potential risks associated with lithium-ion batteries and other hazardous materials on aircraft. By taking this proactive step, the DOT prioritized the safety of passengers and crew, demonstrating their commitment to preventing potential incidents and ensuring secure air travel for all.
Airports: Size Ratings and Their Key Influencers
You may want to see also
Explore related products

The ban was due to reports of phones catching fire and exploding
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from air transportation in the United States by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The ban was due to reports of phones catching fire and exploding, which posed a significant safety risk to passengers and crew. Similar bans were also implemented by airlines in Australia, Asia, and Europe.
Samsung offered some customers replacement Note 7 devices that were supposedly safe. However, one of these replacement phones started smoking on a Southwest Airlines plane in Louisville, Kentucky, which contributed to Samsung's decision to halt production of the phone altogether. Samsung and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission acknowledged the safety hazard, and Samsung suspended the manufacture and sale of the Galaxy Note 7.
The U.S. Department of Transportation classified the device as hazardous material, and banned passengers from transporting the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in carry-on or checked luggage when flying. The ban was put in place to prevent the risk of fire incidents inflight, which could result in severe personal injury and endanger the lives of those on board. Passengers who attempted to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage were warned that they were increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident.
As a result of the ban, Samsung provided guidance to customers on how to return their phones and obtain refunds or replacements. The company also answered customers' questions through a dedicated phone line. The ban on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 highlighted the importance of prioritizing the safety of passengers and crew when it comes to hazardous materials on aircraft.
Airport Glitch: Fixed or Still Broken?
You may want to see also
Explore related products

Airlines began to stock fire-containment bags to handle electronics flare-ups
In 2016, several airlines began banning the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from their flights after reports that some phones had caught fire. This ban was implemented by carriers in Australia, Asia, and Europe, as well as the US. As a result, airlines became increasingly concerned about the risk of burning smartphones and laptops, and some started to stock fire-containment bags to handle electronics flare-ups.
These fire-containment bags are designed to seal up an overheating smartphone or laptop battery and prevent a disaster mid-air. They are made of fire-resistant material and can withstand temperatures up to 3,200 degrees Fahrenheit (or 1,760 degrees Celsius). The bags are equipped with heavy-duty zippers and Velcro to ensure a tight seal. They retail for $1,800 each, but airlines likely negotiated bulk discounts.
One of the first airlines to adopt these fire-containment bags was Alaska Airlines, which finished adding them to its 219 planes in May 2016. Virgin America also installed these bags on all its planes, and Delta Air Lines announced it would be adding them to its fleet as well, prioritising ocean-crossing aircraft. Other airlines, such as American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines, opted to train their crews on fighting high-energy fires instead of investing in the bags.
While the fire-containment bags provide a measure of safety, some airlines have also taken proactive steps to address the issue. For example, aircraft have been fitted with fire extinguishers in the cabin, and cargo holds have been equipped with fire detection and suppression systems for decades. Additionally, aviation authorities have warned passengers not to use or charge their devices onboard and to keep them turned off during flights.
America's Airport Count: How Many Are There?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$6.95

Samsung ended production of the Note 7 and offered refunds and replacements
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from air transportation in the United States by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. This was due to reports of devices catching fire, with similar bans being implemented by carriers in Australia, Asia, and Europe. In response to these air travel bans, Samsung announced it would set up dedicated kiosks at selected airports to allow travelers to exchange or refund their Galaxy Note 7 devices on-site.
Samsung permanently ended the production of the Galaxy Note 7 on October 11, 2016, following reports of devices catching fire, even those that had been replaced. The company urged all owners to power down their devices and take advantage of remedies such as refunds or exchanges. Samsung offered refunds to customers who chose to return their Galaxy Note 7 devices, with the option of receiving the refund through their original payment method, such as credit card or PayPal. Additionally, customers who participated in the U.S. Note7 Refund and Exchange Program received a $25 Samsung.com Reward eCertificate as a token of appreciation and acknowledgment of the inconvenience caused.
For customers who preferred an exchange over a refund, Samsung offered a replacement device, such as the Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge. The company also provided a refund for the price difference between the replacement device and the original Galaxy Note 7. To facilitate the return process, Samsung provided special shipping cartons with prepaid return labels and detailed packaging instructions. Customers could either arrange for UPS to pick up their old device or schedule an appointment for a Samsung representative to collect it.
The recall and end of production for the Galaxy Note 7 impacted Samsung's business significantly. Analysts estimated revenue losses of at least US$17 billion. The company's operating profits were projected to decrease by 33% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the previous quarter. Samsung also faced brand and reputation damage, potentially leading to a loss of high-end users to rival companies such as Apple and other Android handset manufacturers.
Toronto Airport: TSA PreCheck Availability and Benefits
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$12.95

The ban applied to carry-on and checked luggage, with passengers denied boarding if they had the device
The US Department of Transportation, in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, has issued an emergency order banning the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from all air transportation in the United States. The ban applies to carrying the device on one's person, as well as in carry-on and checked luggage. Passengers who violate the ban may be denied boarding and could face criminal prosecution and fines.
The decision to ban the Galaxy Note 7 from airlines was made in response to reports of the devices catching fire and exploding, posing a significant safety risk to passengers and crew. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated that "even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."
Airlines and carriers around the world, including in Australia, Asia, and Europe, have also banned the Galaxy Note 7 from their flights. Some airlines, such as Delta, Virgin America, and Alaska Airlines, have even started stocking fire-containment bags on their flights to handle electronics flare-ups.
It is important to note that Samsung has ended the production of the Galaxy Note 7 and is offering refunds or replacement phones to customers. Customers are advised to contact Samsung or their wireless carrier for more information.
Jacksonville Airport: Milton Closure Impact and Alternatives
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, the Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is not banned in airports. However, the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from all airlines due to reports of the phones catching fire.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was banned from airlines due to safety concerns. The device was classified as hazardous material, with documented incidents of dangerous heat evolution and phones catching fire and exploding.
The ban on the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was announced by the US Department of Transportation on October 14, 2016, and took effect on October 15, 2016, at noon ET.
If you are travelling by air and have a Samsung Galaxy Note 7, you must not bring the device on your person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage. Contact Samsung or your wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return the phone and arrange for a refund or a replacement.









































