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DOT Issues Emergency Ban on All Galaxy Note 7 Phones From Planes

Oct. 14, 2016
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2 min read
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DOT Issues Emergency Ban on All Galaxy Note 7 Phones From Planes
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The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 has been in the news for all the wrong reasons lately. Back in September, several Australian airlines banned the smartphone in response to reports of the phone's battery exploding, and earlier this month a Note 7 actually caught fire on board a Southwest flight. Understandably this has both passengers and airlines concerned — some carriers have already started carrying fire-containment bags on board their aircraft — and now the Department of Transportation is taking things one step further.

In a statement issued today, the DOT announced an emergency ban of all Galaxy Note 7 devices from airplanes in the US:



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. This prohibition includes all Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo. The ban will be effective on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at noon ET.

So, starting tomorrow, if you have a Galaxy Note 7 (including a replacement Note 7 device), you won't be able to bring it on any flights departing from or traveling to the US, either in your checked or carry-on luggage. And there will be consequences if you do attempt to bring this device on board: In its statement the DOT says this could result in fines, in addition to the phone possibly being confiscated.

The DOT's decision is hardly a surprise given escalating reports of this phone's risk as a fire hazard, and even if it does inconvenience Galaxy Note 7 owners, it's certainly better to be safe than sorry in this case. If you do own a Note 7, contact Samsung about exchanging or refunding your device if you haven't already.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.