Update on September 10, 2016
Due to the risk of explosion from Galaxy Note 7's faulty battery, India, Canada, Japan and the U.S. have imposed ban on using Samsung's flagship during flights. Flyers must refrain from charging or using the device mid-flight and must keep the phone switched off at all times.
Original story...
Owing to the risks associated with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 batteries, some airlines have announced a ban on carrying Samsung's latest flagship smartphone on planes. Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Singapore Airlines and Tiger Airways have issued a formal ban on using or charging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 as a precautionary measure.
Samsung has received 35 complaints in which the Galaxy Note 7 caught fire or exploded while charging. The airlines' ban on using the Galaxy Note 7 during flight requires owners of the phone to switch off the device and refrain from charging it during the entire transit.
"Following Samsung's product recall announcement, Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices may not be used or charged on board Virgin Australia flights," a Virgin spokesperson said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) also warned airline passengers against using the Galaxy Note 7 during flight.
"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 on Thursday in the U.S.
The ban will officially be imposed by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, which hasn't issued a statement yet.
Samsung has recalled nearly 2.5 million smartphones over exploding battery fear and also stopped the sales of the Galaxy Note 7. The company has already sold nearly 1 million units since its launch last month. Besides the massive recall, fixing the Galaxy Note 7 by swapping the faulty batteries may cost the company several billion dollars.
Samsung is recalling all of its smartphones, but the faulty battery issue affects a relatively small number, which is estimated to be 24 out of 1 million phones.
