PAL enforces total ban on Samsung Galaxy Note 7

Returned boxes of Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy Note 7 smartphones are placed at a shop of South Korean mobile carrier in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. AP

Philippine Airlines is now enforcing a total ban on carrying Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices in airport premises, on board the aircraft and as cargo shipment.

In a statement sent to media on Tuesday, PAL said the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has issued this prohibition to all Philippine carriers via Memorandum Circular No. 34-16.

If a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Note 7 prior to boarding an aircraft, the airline will deny boarding until the device is removed from his/her person, carry-on or checked baggage, the statement said.

Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information on how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement device.

Earlier, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) jointly issued an emergency order banning all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.

Any person failing to compel with the Emergency Order is subject to civil penalties up to $179,933 for each violation of the Hazardous Materials Regulations. A person violating this Order may also be subject to criminal prosecution, which may result in fines under title 18, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7, classified as forbidden hazardous material, poses a risk when transported by air. These may ignite and become a fuel source for fire even when powered off./rga