Really bad news for Samsung smartphone owners

Samsung’s Galaxy Note7 is formally banned from U.S. aircraft. (Image: Samsung)

Are you still holding onto a Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone that you haven’t returned yet despite Samsung’s recent request that you do so?

If you plan to keep using it because you think the odds of it catching fire are too small to worry about, don’t plan on taking it on an airplane.

Earlier, the FAA had advised flyers not to put those phones into checked luggage, or to power them up or charge them during flight. But given the continuing problems with the device, the government has now issued an unprecedented, full-fledged ban– now you cannot even bring it on the plane.

The Transportation Department said Friday that effective at midday on Saturday (October 15), the Galaxy Note7 is banned from all U.S. aircraft, even if it is turned off. Anyone found with one could have it confiscated and could be fined, DOT said. If you try to hide it in checked luggage, you could face criminal prosecution, DOT noted.

If airline staff see a passenger carrying a Galaxy Note7 before boarding, they are required to keep that person off the plane.

“Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone,” DOT said. “Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at http://www.samsung.com/us/note7recall. Samsung is also answering customers’ questions at 1-844-365-6197.”

Don’t miss out on these popular TravelSkills posts: