The Samsung Galaxy Notes 2 through 7 are not allowed on airplanes in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. It was deemed a fire hazard under the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations. 

Man holding a phone and taking a picture of a cityscape - Which phones and not allowed on planes?

Several incidents of battery failure and combustion occurred with Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones. An incident broke out in an aircraft bound for Chennai on the Indian Airlines airliner named Indigo years ago.

Virgin Australia, Qantas and Garuda Indonesia issued similar bans, while Transport Canada stated the Note 7 would not be allowed on flights under Special Provision 137, which prohibits flying with damaged or defective lithium-ion batteries.

Most phones are allowed on flights. Unless you have one of the specific phones mentioned, you are ok to bring your phone with you on your flight.

Why are some phones not allowed in airplanes? 

Some phones aren’t allowed on planes because people reported incidents where the smartphone’s batteries melted, caught fire, and ignited, causing property damage and injuries. Lithium-ion batteries were linked to the hazards. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is one of the most recent phones to be banned on airplanes.

Related: Can you bring a razor on a plane?

Why is cell phone use not allowed on airplanes?

Mobile devices emit electromagnetic waves, which may intercept and interrupt an aircraft’s navigation systems. But most airlines allow mobile devices including phones in airplane mode during the flight. 

Which phones are not allowed on airplanes? 

The DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) has ordered all airlines to ban the use of the Samsung Galaxy Note series after a Samsung Galaxy Note 2 caught fire on an IndiGo flight years ago. 

In the wake of the repeated fires generated by the Note series, the parent company (Samsung) has been questioned. They did their best to compensate customers affected by the bans. On most airlines, the Galaxy Note series is not permitted on airplanes. The following is a list of phones that cannot be taken on airplanes. 

  • Samsung Galaxy Note 2 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 3 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 4 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 5 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 6 
  • Samsung Galaxy Note 7 

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 model, in particular, has been banned from air transportation in most countries following reports of the device going up in flames after being used over long periods on flights. 

This emergency measure was put in place to ensure the safety of all passengers on board during flights. It’s also designed to eliminate any possibility of a fire while passengers are on board. Mobile devices can also disturb other passengers and distract flight attendants. 

Why Are Samsung Galaxy Phones Not Allowed On Airplanes? 

Samsung Galaxy phones are a dangerous fire hazard. There have been several incidents of these phones catching fire on planes. Samsung later found out this had to do with the phone’s battery.

You can imagine a scenario where a phone suddenly catches fire while passengers are mid-air on a flight. The Federal Aviation Administration realized this and announced a ban on all Note 7s. If you have a Samsung Note 7, be aware that you cannot bring it on your flight. 

It is imperative to note that not all Samsung Galaxy model phones are prohibited from flights. However, in the condition that you use one in the Note series, you should put it in your checked bags before boarding. 

If you manage to board a flight with your Samsung Galaxy, you will be instructed by a flight attendant to switch off your devices. You must keep your phone on you at all times, not tucked away in a bag where it may overheat.

Bringing your Samsung Note 7 onboard a flight is dangerous and unacceptable. Being insistent will not only expose you but other passengers on board to risk. You may incur fines and even face criminal charges. Airline personnel have indefinite permission to refuse passengers who prove stubborn about giving up their phones.

Below are a few lists of airlines that have banned Samsung Galaxy mobile phones.

  • AirAsia
  • Japan Airlines
  • Vistara
  • US Aircraft
  • Air Berlin
  • Alitalia
  • Singapore Airlines

Hopefully, you learned more about which phones you can’t bring on a flight. Remember, you can bring these phones in your checked bags no problem. Avoid bringing a banned phone through airport security. It’ll save you time in the long run and makes the TSA agent’s job much easier. Thanks for reading!

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