More airlines ban Samsung phone

BANGKOK Three Thai airlines have banned the inflight use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones.

They  also prohibit passengers from storing the devices in check-in luggage.

Thai PBS TV reported that Thai AirAsia, Nok Air and Thai Airways International had all announced bans on the smartphone.

Qantas and Virgin Australia were the first airlines to ban the inflight use of the so-called “Phablets” after Samsung recalled the latest versions after some smartphones exploded.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was only recently launched, worldwide, but it quickly became infamous after there were reports phones had exploded during and after recharging.

Singapore Airlines and Emirates also banned the phone over the weekend.

Thai PBS TV quoted Thai Airways International’s director for safety, Prathana Pattanasiri, saying the decision was made for safety reasons.

“The airline would like to ask for cooperation from all passengers,” he said.

The airline confirmed it was asking passengers, who had the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, to keep them switched off (not just in sleep mode).

Passengers have been asked not to store the phones in check-in luggage.

As a routine safety measure and because there is a risk of theft by airport baggage handlers, battery packs and smartphones, electronic devices, laptops and cameras with battery packs should not be packed in check-in luggage.

Other Thai airlines, Bangkok Airways and Thai Lion, are expected to announce a ban soon.

sourced:ttrweekly.com