Popular smartphone banned on all planes is still in circulation amid concerns of it overheating and exploding
A popular smartphone that's been banned on airlines across the US has gone viral once again after someone spotted an unsual sign when boarding their plane.
The popular Samsung model was placed on the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) no-fly list after reports of the phone overheating and even setting on fire.
Back in 2016, reports began circulating that the popular device was overheating, smoking, and making 'popping noises', and had even prompted the evacuation of a flight, with a subsequent voluntary recall thought to have cost the tech giant a staggering $5.3bn.
Samsung said at the time it was 'taking responsibility for our failure to ultimately identify and verify the issues arising out of the battery design and manufacturing process'.
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It eventually ceased production of the phone altogether.
This was eight years ago now, but the device still remains on the TSA's no-fly list. Here's everything you need to know including what the ban actually is, what caused all the issues with the phone and why it has come back into the spotlight all these years later.
What does the TSA say about the Samsung phone?
The phone in question is the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, which hit shelves back in 2016.
A statement on the agency's website states: "The US Department of Transportation, with the Federal Aviation Administration and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, have issued an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphone devices from air transportation in the United States.
"Individuals 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.”
What did Samsung say at the time?
After the initial problems with the phones arose , Samsung conducted a 'thorough investigation'.
The phone maker added at the time: "To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market.
"However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note 7."
What was causing the problems with the Samsung phone?
It was later discovered that a battery fault was causing the issues with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices - more specifically, it is believed that insufficient insulation material within the batteries was the culprit of the issue, according to the findings.
Samsung phone goes viral again on TikTok
A recent video has gone viral after viewers were left stunned when one plane passenger noticed an unusual sign while boarding a flight.
TikToker K-Shawn Brower (@malckbro) filmed the somewhat unexpected message that read: "FAA BANNED ITEM. Samsung Galaxy Note 7. Individuals may NOT transport this device on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the US."
Many flocked to the comments section of the TikTok video not quite believing the phone is actually banned on planes.
"Not me watching this on my Samsung Galaxy Note 7," one person penned.
A second added: "Those phones were recalled because of the batteries exploding so I hope no one is still using them.”
While a third remarked: "I’m a flight attendant. those phones cause fires.”
And finally, a fourth penned: "That phone is from 2016. It’s almost 10 years old. Nobody should have that phone anymore because it’s too outdated. After a while, Google stops doing updates for older phones."
Whatever flight you may have in the future, it's probably for the best you don't take a Galaxy Note 7 on it.
Callum Jones