Philippine Airlines and other carriers prohibited the charging and use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices on board all flights.
PAL began implementing the prohibition on Sept. 9 in compliance with the directive of the International Air Transport Association. Related story on B4.
The IATA directive stems from the recall order made on the products of Samsung Electronics Company Limited.
Findings showed Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone units had caught fire during charging, prompting the manufacturer to recall all units sold worldwide.
“Safety remains a cornerstone of PAL operations and as such, the flag carrier will be ensuring full compliance on board each flight and is seeking the full cooperation of its passengers,” PAL said.
It said these devices were not allowed as checked-in items, but might be hand carried for as long as these were switched off at all times.
All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units, whether used or brand new, would not be accepted as PAL cargo shipment.
Cebu Pacific, in a separate advisory, told passengers that the usage and charging of the device were prohibited onboard all CEB and Cebgo flights beginning Sept. 11 until further notice.
“Galaxy Note 7 devices must also not be stowed in checked baggage, but may be hand-carried as long as the device is turned off at all times inside the aircraft,” Cebu Pacific said.
“We sincerely hope for our passengers’ full cooperation, as the safety of everyone onboard our flights remains our utmost priority,” Cebu Pacific said.
AirAsia and AirAsia X also prohibited the usage and charging of the device onboard all flights due to safety concerns over its battery.
“All guests traveling on AirAsia and AirAsia X who owns the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device must turn it off until disembarkation from the aircraft. The device must not be kept in any checked baggage as well,” AirAsia said.
“Guests may approach any AirAsia and AirAsia X ground staff for further information about this new guideline with regards to the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device,” AirAsia said.
Samsung shares plunged Monday after the South Korean electronics giant urged global users to stop using its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone due to a spate of exploding batteries.
Samsung Electronics, the world’s largest smartphone maker, announced on Sept. 2 a recall of its oversized “phablet” after faulty batteries caused some handsets to burst into flames during charging.