The Tribune

ALL Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones have been banned on planes in the Bahamas from noon on Monday, the Department of Civil Aviation has announced.

The devices, which have been the subject of a global recall by the manufacturer after a number of reported incidents of them catching fire due to a fault with the lithium battery - may not be transported by passengers or crew on their person, in carry-on baggage, or in checked baggage on flights to, from, or within the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Department said on Sunday night. The phones also cannot be shipped as air cargo.

In a statement the Department said: "The banning of these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers; however the safety of all passengers is paramount. Air travellers should note the following:

"If passengers attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices, they will be denied boarding.

"Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident. Anyone violating the ban may be subject to criminal prosecution, in addition to fines.

"Passengers currently travelling 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 www.samsung.com/us/note7recall/

"If an airline representative observes that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device prior to boarding an aircraft, the air carrier must deny boarding to the passenger unless and until the passenger divests him/herself and their carry-on and checked baggage of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device. Passengers absolutely should not pack the phones in their checked luggage.

"If a flight crew member identifies that a passenger is in possession of a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 device while the aircraft is in flight, the crew member must instruct the passenger to power off the device, not to use or charge the device while aboard the aircraft, and to guard against accidental activation, including disabling any features that may turn on the device, such as alarm clocks. Additionally, the passenger must keep the device on their person, and not in the overhead compartment, seat back pocket, nor in any carry-on baggage, for the duration of the flight."