By Recto Mercene & Lorenz S. Marasigan
LOCAL carriers have banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 cellular phones during flights, following the lead of the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) against packing the phones into any checked-in luggage after reports that the device explodes during or after charging.
Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) and leading low-cost carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) followed suit starting September 12, issuing their respective advisories.
“Philippine Airlines is prohibiting the charging and use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices onboard all its flights, effective immediately. PAL is issuing this directive in line with the recall order made on these products by Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.” Findings showed Galaxy Note 7 batteries and phone unitshave caught fire during charging, prompting the manufacturer to recall all units sold worldwide.
PAL said, “Safety remains a cornerstone of its operations, and as such, the flag carrier will be ensuring full compliance onboard each flight and is seeking the full cooperation of its passengers.”
“In addition, these devices are not allowed as check-in items, but may be hand-carried for as long as these are switched off at all times. All Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units—whether used or brand new—will not be accepted as PAL cargo shipment.”
Meanwhile, CEB said: “In light of the recent recall of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices due to safety issues, Cebu Pacific advises passengers the usage and charging of the device are prohibited onboard all CEB and Cebgo flights beginning September 11, 2016, until further notice.”
CEB added that 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.
“We sincerely hope for our passengers’ full cooperation, as the safety of everyone onboard our flights remains our utmost priority,” CEB added. Samsung recalled the phone last week after reports emerged of the device exploding during or after charging.
US TV channel Fox 10 reported claims that a faulty Galaxy Note 7 had set fire to a family’s Jeep.
Samsung has said battery problems were behind the phones catching fire, but it was difficult to work out which phones were affected among those sold.
The phone was launched in August and has been, otherwise, generally well-received by consumers and critics.
Live Mint consumer report said: “For Samsung, which prides itself on its manufacturing prowess, the scale of the recall, which covers 10 markets, including the Philippines, is expected to be unprecedented.”
Some 2.5 million of the premium devices have been sold worldwide, the company has said. Its shares closed down 3.9 percent on Friday, the report added.
The Philippine office of Samsung on Friday said it will voluntarily replace the units of customers who have bought the Galaxy Note 7.
This comes after the Korean electronics giant’s recall of its latest flagship mobile device, which reportedly has faulty batteries.
The replacement of the units would happen “over the coming weeks,” Samsung said, adding they have stopped selling the units in the country.
“We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market, but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest-quality products to our customers. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible,” the company said in a statement. There have been several reports of “explosions” or units of the recently launched Note 7 catching fire. The troubling reports prompted Samsung to issue a recall on Tuesday of millions of units.
The Samsung Note 7 was launched in the Philippines in early August and was offered for preorder by telecommunications firms Globe and Smart. Some electronic shops also started carrying the device.
However, units of the phablet are already being sold online and in gray market shops. It is not clear if the replacement offer is extended to units purchased through these shops.