TRAVELERS are being warned that an everyday item they are likely to deem essential is now banned from all flights in and out of the US.
The gadget is not only forbidden in carry-on bags but also hold luggage.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in the US has announced an emergency order banning all Samsung Galaxy Note7 smartphones.
In a statement on its website, the agency said: “The U.S. 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.”
It may come as a surprise that TSA would target one particular cell phone brand.
Yet there is a very good reason why this phone is forbidden.
It has a battery issue that could potentially cause the device to explode or catch on fire.
The phone is an older model from 2016, but it is clear that a number of people were unaware of the prohibition on the phone, as a June 2025 TikTok clip discussing the ban went viral recently.
In the video, which was viewed by millions, a user filmed the airport warning alerting customers to the fact that the phone is not allowed on board.
The Samsung phone ban, along with the strong user response to the recent TikTok video about it, show the importance of keeping up with changing TSA rules on prohibited items.
For example, the TSA recently reminded passengers that wedding dresses, while allowed in both carry-on and checked bags, may require additional screening at security checkpoints.
Travelers passing through major US airports, including those flying from UK destinations to the States, were urged to prepare for possible inspections of their dresses at TSA checkpoints.
These items are prohibited from carry-on luggage
- Power banks.
- Cell phone battery charging cases.
- Rechargeable and non-rechargeable lithium batteries.
- Cell phone batteries.
- Laptop batteries.
- External batteries.
- Portable rechargers.
The TSA keeps a list of items that travelers are not allowed to bring onboard.
This includes directives on whether the item is allowed in carry-on bags, checked bags, or not at all.
You can also contact the agency on X @TSA.
