by Donald Wood
Last updated: 10:30 AM ET, Thu September 8, 2016
Three airlines in Australia have announced that passengers will be banned from using or charging Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones during flights due to the possibility of fire caused by faulty batteries.
According to Reuters, the airlines-Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin Australia-announced the ban after Samsung recalled the phones in 10 markets. Passengers will still be able to carry the phones onboard their flights, but they will not be permitted to plug them into chargers or entertainment systems.
Samsung has sold 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices thus far, but the phones reportedly have ignited into flames while charging. Samsung Australia is now working with the airlines following the recall and subsequent bans.
"Following Samsung Australia's recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 personal electronic device we are requesting that passengers who own them do not switch on or charge them in flight," a Qantas spokesman said in a statement.
As for airlines in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration is now considering its options in regard to banning the Galaxy Note 7. The FAA is weighing all of its options before sending recommendations to airlines in America.
Recently, the International Civil Aviation Organization banned lithium-ion batteries due to fire risks, and airlines also banned hoverboards due to battery fire risks.
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