Transportation Dept. bans Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on all U.S. flights

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (UPI) -- The U.S. Department of Transportation announced Friday that it will not permit any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones on any flight nationwide due to a defect that has led some phones to overheat and explode.

Samsung has recalled 2.5 million phones and removed it entirely from the market due to the problem with the devices' lithium-ion battery.

"We recognize that banning these phones from airlines will inconvenience some passengers, but the safety of all those aboard an aircraft must take priority," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement Friday. "We are taking this additional step because even one fire incident inflight poses a high risk of severe personal injury and puts many lives at risk."

The government's decision to ban the smartphones is consistent with other items banned from U.S. flight that may pose a fire hazard.

In-flight fires are one of the most dire scenarios any flight can face. Hundreds of people have died in numerous onboard fire-related accidents in the decades since commercial aviation began.

The department said any passenger found attempting to board any flight with a Galaxy Note 7 will be denied entrance to the aircraft. Also, anyone found trying to covertly smuggle one of the smartphones in checked luggage will be prosecuted.

"The Samsung Galaxy Note7 device is considered a forbidden hazardous material under the Federal Hazardous Material Regulations, which forbid airline passengers or crew from traveling with lithium cells or batteries or portable electronic devices that are likely to generate a dangerous evolution of heat," the DOT stated in a news release.

The ban will take effect at noon EDT Saturday, the department said.