The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is banning all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smart phones from U.S. flights because of their potential fire hazard, the agency announced Friday.
{mosads}Beginning Saturday at noon, passengers will be prohibited from bringing the recalled devices onto a flight or storing them in carry-on or checked baggage. Any travelers who violate the ban may face fines and possible criminal prosecution and will have their phones confiscated.
“Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident,” the agency said in a press release.
The unusual emergency order follows a string of reports that the lithium ion batteries in Galaxy Note 7 phones were overheating and causing some of the devices to catch fire, including on two recent flights.
“We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a statement. “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.”
The agency had already warned passengers to avoid using or charging the recalled Note 7 on planes, but even the replacement devices that were deemed safe were still reportedly catching fire.
A number of airlines have taken new safety steps amid the increasing concern over the potentially dangerous phones.
Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and Delta Air Lines have opted to put fire-suppression bags on planes to help extinguish any cellphone or laptop battery that catches fire.
Samsung has ceased production and global sales of the device while it investigates the reported incidents, and the company is urging consumers with an original or replacement Note 7 to power down the device and take advantage of the available remedies.