US bans Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones on all flights

Reports of the device catching fire have led US authorities to take action

Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices have caught fire, with exploding batteries being blamed (Simon Calder)

Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones have been declared “forbidden hazardous material” and banned from all flights to, from or within the US.

From 5pm today, UK time, it will be a federal offence to carry the device aboard an aircraft, whether it’s in your hand luggage, checked-in baggage or your pocket.

“If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices, they will be denied boarding,” said the US Department of Transportation in a statement.

“Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident.”

Around 2.5 million of the new smartphones have been recalled following cases of exploding batteries. Replacement units have also caught fire. Samsung has withdrawn the line, and buyers are being offered a full refund.

British Airways issued a statement on its website, saying: “Customers who own or possess a Samsung Galaxy Note7 device MAY NOT transport the device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the United States.”

BA and other airlines are asking US-bound passengers at check-in if they have the phone.

Previously the ban had applied only to Galaxy Note7s in checked-in luggage.

The US Transportation Secretary, Anthony Foxx, said: “We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk.”