Airlines ban Samsung Note 7 phones over risk of fires

MORE and more airlines are banning the Samsung Note 7 aboard their flights after reports that some phones have caught fire.

Qantas and its budget carrier Jetstar said in a statement: “The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage, as well as check-in luggage.”

Virgin Australia too issued a statement following the ban on Saturday: “The use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices is currently prohibited on all Virgin Australia and Tigerair Australia flights.” The airline also urged passengers not to bring the phone into airports.

The Samsung model has been reported of catching fire due to complaints of exploding batteries, and the South Korean company is recalling millions of units globally.

Early this month, a Southwest Airlines flight 994 from Louisville to Baltimore was evacuated while still at the gate because of a smoking Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

According to Tech Wire Asia, Samsung is projected to undergo a US$5.3 million loss over the discontinuing of the Note 7 model.

Meanwhile, Samsung is offering US$100 credit to customers who trade in their Galaxy Note 7s for “any other Samsung phone” as incentive to stop customers from switching to other smartphone brands.

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Source: travelwireasia.com