The U.S.
Department of Transportation has banned the transport of the Samsung Galaxy
Note7 on all commercial and cargo aircraft.
The move, which
became effective Saturday, means that airline passengers can neither bring the
phones on the plane with them nor pack the devices in checked luggage.
Samsung halted the production, sale and exchange
of the Note7 on Oct. 10 because the product is prone to overheat and explode.
“Passengers
who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are
increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident,” the FAA said in a statement. “Anyone violating the ban may be
subject to criminal prosecution in addition to fines.”
In a statement Friday, Samsung said it is working with airlines to get the word out on the
ban. The company encouraged customers to visit their retail store to
participate in its Note7 refund and exchange program.