Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Tigerair Australia and Air New Zealand have completely banned the new Samsung Galaxy Note 7 from all flights due to potential safety risks.
The total ban came into effect across all five airlines last night after a joint directive from the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) and the United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
While previously, carriers were advising guests to avoid switching the device on during flights, they’re now telling them they can not bring the Galaxy Note 7 on board, at all.
“These devices cannot be accepted for carriage either in person, in carry-on luggage, or in checked luggage.”
Air New Zealand
Further emphasising the ban, travellers are being advised to not bring the device to the airport because they will not be allowed on the flight and airlines such as Air New Zealand do not have “storage facilities available for them at check in areas”.
“Owners of these devices should contact Samsung for advice on how to return their devices,” an Air New Zealand statement read.
The US DOT ban on the Galaxy Note 7 was issued on Friday and follows a series on inflight incidents, during which faulty batteries were allegedly catching fire while charging.
So far, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia hasn’t enforced a ban, however, says it’s monitoring the situation and will take action if needed.
