Winair bans Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices

With immediate effect, Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices will not be permitted in checked or carry-on baggage and may not be carried on board any Winair flight, according to a statement from the airline on Tuesday. Customers travelling with this device will not be permitted to travel. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo.

Prior to check-in, passengers will be asked whether they are carrying this device and, if so, will not be allowed to check in until the device has been removed from their carry-on or checked luggage.

It is the passengers’ responsibility to adhere to these instructions and to divest themselves of the phones prior to check-in. Winair will not take responsibility for securing or storing the devices for passengers until their return.

If at any time a passenger is observed to be in possession of a Samsung Note7, he or she will be denied check-in and/or boarding unless and until he/she divests him-/herself and his/ her carry-on or checked baggage of the device.

Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage.

“Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage, increase the risk of a catastrophic incident. We recognise that banning these phones will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard our aircraft must take priority,” according to the Winair statement.

Passengers currently traveling with Samsung Galaxy Note7 phones should contact Samsung or their wireless carrier immediately to obtain information about how to return their phones and arrange for a refund or a replacement phone. Samsung has provided guidance for customers about refund and replacement options, as well as how to contact wireless carriers, at http://www.samsung.com/ us/note7recall/. Samsung is also answering customers’ questions at tel. 1-844-365- 6197.

The Daily Herald.