11 September 2016

Samsung Note 7 owners asked not to operate their devices in the air

Garuda Indonesia has requested Samsung Note7 users not to operate the device on its flights in accordance with the announcement made by the Federal Aviation Administration* (FAA) about the Note 7. According to Samsung, affected Note7 batteries can overheat and pose a safety risk. Samsung Galaxy Note7 owners are asked to stop using their devices immediately.

Said VP Corporate Communications Garuda Indonesia Benny ButarButar: "Garuda Indonesia expressly indeed urges all passengers not to operate the phone during the flight. Related to the announcement of FAA about the Samsung Galaxy Note7, Garuda Indonesia urged passengers not to operate - even in airplane mode - charge / recharge the batteries, the device also must not be kept in any checked baggage as well," he said.

Benny added that Garuda Indonesia has added signage to this effect at check-in counters at airports and informed all counter staff to make sure passengers are aware of this concern.

Garuda Indonesia will evaluate the request after further announcements from the FAA.

Emirates has also banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. A statement on its website mirrors the FAA announcement: "In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, passengers are advised not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage."

A similar statement was broadcast by Oman Air on its Facebook page.

*The FAA's statement released on September 8, 2016 said: "In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage."