It’s never a good day to be an Android user, but especially not when the TSA has banned a specific cell phone from air transportation in the U.S. If you weren’t already aware, travelers are not allowed to bring a Galaxy Note7 smartphone on any U.S. airplane.
Although the ban has been in effect since 2016, a viral video circulating online suggest that some people are still unaware of it. The DOT published this statement about the ban when it was first enacted:
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), today announced it is issuing an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States. Individuals who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device may not transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States. This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will be effective on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET.
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is not allowed on flights due to its fire risk. The lithium-ion battery within the phone can overheat and cause a fire, according to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission.
“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” echoed Transportation Secretary at the time, Anthony Foxx. “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”
Samsung permanently stopped sales of the Galaxy Note7 in October 2016 and issued a global recall. However, for those who never returned or exchanged their Note7, they’ll have to leave it behind during their travels.
If a passenger attempts to bring a Galaxy Note7 on a U.S. flight they will be denied boarding. DOT warns any passenger who attempts to put their Galaxy Note7 in their checked bag could be subject to criminal prosecution and fines, as the cell phone is considered a forbidden hazardous material under the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations (HMR; 49 CFR Parts 171-185).