Caribbean Airlines bans in-flight use of Samsung Note 7

Caribbean Airlines (CAL) on Friday issued a ban on the in-flight use and battery charging of the recently re-called Samsung Galaxy Note 7, following a directive from the Trinidad and Tobago Civil Aviation Authority.

“Following a directive issued by the Trinidad & Tobago Civil Aviation Authority (TTCAA), effective immediately, Caribbean Airlines has enforced a ban on the in-flight use and battery charging of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, on all flights,” the airline states in an advisory on its website.

It added, “We further advise that these devices are not to be stored in checked luggage. However, they can be carried in passengers’ carry-on baggage or on their person, but they are not to be used or charged on-board the aircraft…Caribbean Airlines’ number one priority is the safety of our customers and crews, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

The South Korean smartphone giant this month issued a global voluntary recall of some 2.5M of the Note7 due to a battery problem which some users have claimed has exploded or caught fire.

It is unclear if Guyanese dealers have started selling the smartphones which were released on August 19 this year, but it would mean that those who have acquired one and are travelling on CAL, would have to power down when using the airline.