If you’re flying this weekend, there’s a chance your phone could be taken at security. That’s if you have the Samsung Galaxy Note7, a phone that’s been recalled because of incidents where the device has caught fire.
Airport security checkpoints in the U.S. all have the same policy of no weapons, no flammable liquids, and now no Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices.
On Saturday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with the U.S. Department of Transportation banned the Note7 device from all flights calling it a potential fire hazard.
“I noticed smoke just pouring out of my pocket. I pulled the phone out of my pocket threw it on the ground where it continued to smoke,” said Brian Greene.
Greene said that happened to his Galaxy Note7 device after he had boarded a Southwest plane heading to Baltimore earlier this month.
Samsung has suspended production and sale of the Note7 device and recalled the model. They’ve also set-up tables at some U.S. airports, including BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, where customers can return or exchange their phone.
“The manufacturer, I think they’re doing the right thing, I think everyone’s trying to do the right thing but obviously if you own that phone, and are going to get on a flight it’s your responsibility to turn it over,” said Jackie Moczygemba, a traveler at BWI.
“We all want our flights to be as safe as possible and there’s enough worries about flying, you know we all get a little nervous, so why not?,” said Linda Smith, another traveler at BWI.
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Airport security is relying on passengers with the phone to do the right thing but there’s a chance some could slip through the cracks
“Nobody’s doing any follow-up checking,” said Peter Gianacoplos, a traveler at BWI. “You have no idea if the person next to you has got that phone in their pocket.”
Anyone caught trying to sneak the phone in their carry-on or checked bag could face fines. And while it may be an inconvenience, officials ask that anyone with the phone trade-in their device for free or risk not boarding their flight.
“There are announcements here to help everyone get in the know, you can’t fly with these now but it’s a simple replacement,” a Southwest employee told ABC2 News.
There are two Samsung stations set-up at BWI at the A/B and D upper terminal. Company employees can assist customers with a return/refund and data transfer at one of those tables or for more information on the Galaxy Note7 recall, click here.
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