TSA warns this banned cell phone is not allowed on any flights in US
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 has been banned from all flights to and from the United States since 2016, after the device was recalled due to reports of it catching fire
A particular smartphone model notorious for fire risks continues to be barred from all flights in the United States, surprising many travelers just learning about the ban.
The Samsung Galaxy Note7 is still on the no-fly list for all domestic and international trips in and out of the U.S., as per a federal emergency directive initially enacted in 2016. The device, recalled due to battery issues leading to combustion incidents, is disallowed in any form: not on one's person, nor in carry-on or checked baggage.
Public awareness of this longstanding ban resurged following a TikTok clip displaying a TSA airport sign regarding the prohibition that went viral in June 2025, amassing millions of views and spawning thousands of comments from puzzled flyers unaware of its ongoing enforcement.
Common travel accessory banned by TSA recalled over ‘fires and explosions'
TSA quietly rolls out major ID change for American Airlines PreCheck travelers
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has reinforced their stance, stating emphatically: "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."
Safety concerns emanating from the smartphone's volatile lithium-ion battery—linked to several overheating episodes and even explosions—are the root of the flight ban, reports the Mirror US.
This decree was declared by the Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration back in 2016 after a series of dangerous events reported around the globe.
Despite the Galaxy Note7 being an old cellphone model today, the continued vigilance of the TSA shows the risks about lithium battery-induced fires aboard aircraft.
DON'T MISS...
- TSA agent arrested for ‘forcefully’ pushing elderly JetBlue passenger in Florida airport
TSA catches loaded guns back to back in deadly daily discovery
The agency has issued a reminder to travelers that portable chargers, power banks, and spare lithium-ion batteries cannot be packed in checked luggage due to safety concerns.
The TSA advises passengers to check what items are permissible before heading to the airport.
Travelers wanting to know if an item is allowed can consult the "What Can I Bring?" section on the TSA's website, send a text to 275-872, or reach out to @AskTSA on Twitter for real-time assistance.
Even though it has been almost ten years, the ban against bringing a Galaxy Note7 on flights is still strictly enforced, with violations potentially leading to confiscation of the device, travel delays, or even being removed from a flight.
