Airlines ban ‘flammable phones’ use

AIRLINE passengers should not turn on or charge their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during flights or stow them in baggage due to concerns over the phone’s fire-prone batteries, the US Federal Aviation Administration said this week.

The FAA “strongly advises” passengers to follow its guidance “in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices”.

The South Korean manufacturer announced last week it was recalling all Galaxy Note 7 smartphones equipped with batteries it had found to be prone to catch fire.

On Friday, Singapore Airlines became the latest carrier to ban use of the phones during flights, following an identical move by three Australian airlines.

“The powering up and charging of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones is prohibited on all our flights,” Singapore Airlines said.

On Thursday, Australia’s Qantas Airways, Jetstar Airways and Virgin Australia Holdings announced they had banned passengers from using or charging the phones in response to the recall.

Although passengers will still be able to bring the phones on flights, the bans extend to the phones being plugged into flight entertainment systems where USB ports are available.

Australia’s aviation regulator said on Friday it was working with airlines and foreign aviation safety regulators “to ensure that recalled devices are treated and carried safely”.

Delta Air Lines, the second-biggest US airline by passenger traffic, said it was still studying the issue.

“Delta is in constant contact with the FAA and other bodies in its run of business as a global airline. We will comply with any directive and are studying this matter. Safety and security is always Delta’s top priority,” a spokesman said.

United Continental Holdings and American Airlines Group did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the FAA advice.

Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Washington-based trade group Airlines for America, said the organisation was “closely monitoring any developments as this issue evolves”.

He added: “Each individual carrier makes determinations, in compliance with FAA safety rules and regulations, as to what is permitted to be carried on board and in the cargo hold.”

The FAA statement does not order US airlines to take action.

The International Air Transportation Association said airlines had conducted risk assessments and that other mobile devices had been recalled over battery problems.

“Although Samsung is the most recent company advising of faulty devices, others have issued similar recalls and warnings regarding lithium batteries in laptops over the last 12 months, so the industry is familiar with and equipped to manage such situations,” it said. — Reuters

The powering up and charging of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phones is prohibited