Galaxy Note 7 banned at all airports nationwide

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphone will be banned from all flights in and out of the El Paso International Airport effective at noon on Saturday, October 15, 2016, the City of El Paso said in a news release.

The nationwide ban was announced Friday by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA).

Air travelers who attempt to travel by air with their Samsung Galaxy Note7 devices may have the phones confiscated, be subject to criminal prosecution, and possibly face fines.

Samsung has recalled more than 2.5 million of the smartphones, citing a battery manufacturing error. The South Korean company discontinued the product earlier this week, less than two months after its August release.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says there have been nearly 100 reports of batteries in Note 7 phones overheating in the U.S. One fire erupted on a Southwest Airlines flight earlier this month. In another case, a family in St. Petersburg, Florida, reported a Galaxy Note 7 phone left charging in their Jeep caught fire, destroying the vehicle.

Passengers who attempt to evade the ban by packing their phone in checked luggage are increasing the risk of a catastrophic incident, city officials said.

Passengers currently traveling 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. Samsung is also answering questions at 1-844-365-6197.

Airline representatives who observe passengers in possession of a Samsung Note7 device will deny boarding, officials said.