Australian airlines ban use of Galaxy Note 7s inflight

As if recalling thousands of handsets because of battery issues is not enough of a headache for Samsung, several Australian airlines are adding more insult to injury by banning the use of Galaxy Note 7s in their aircraft.

Airlines Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia have advised their passengers to avoid powering up or charging their Note 7s while on board out of their own initiative and without prior orders from aviation authorities, reports Engadget.

Qantas told Reuters in a statement, “We are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them in flight.”

The FAA has also been reported to be considering options regarding the Note 7 issue. A spokesperson told Gizmodo via email, “If the device is recalled by the manufacturer, airline crew and passengers will not be able to bring recalled batteries or electronics that contain recalled batteries in the cabin of an aircraft, or in carry-on and checked baggage.”

While it is commendable for Samsung to immediately stop sales as well as shipments and recall units in the market, its scramble to rectify the situation may have created some confusion among different authorities. Alfred Bayle