Airlines urge Samsung Galaxy Note 7 owners to switch off devices whilst flying in case they EXPLODE

TRAVELLERS are being told to switch off their Samsung Galaxy phones while flying after fears the device will burst into flames midflight.

Frequent flyers are being warned that the devices should not even be charged during a flight after a massive recall was issued.

The strict instructions are being implemented across flights after the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) issued advice that any models with a grey battery icon should be immediately turned off - and kept off - during flights.

In a statement, the CAA said: "Following issues Samsung has identified with its Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone, the UK Civil Aviation Authority advises airline passengers intending to travel with this phone to ensure it remains switched off for the duration of the flight.

"The phone should be carried in hand baggage and should not be charged during the flight."

The CAA said that the faulty phone could be identified as it had a grey battery icon instead of green.

Easyjet is one of the airlines which has told passengers to turn off their phones.

A spokesman said: "EasyJet can confirm that, in line with updated guidance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority, passengers intending to travel with a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 mobile phone will need to ensure it remains switched off during the duration of the flight.

"The phone should be carried in hand luggage. The safety of our passengers and crew is our highest priority."

Thomson Airways confirmed that the airline was following the advice from the CAA.

A Ryan Air spokesperson said: "“In light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices, the Federal Aviation Administration strongly advises passengers not to turn on or charge these devices on board aircraft and not to stow them in any checked baggage.”

But concerns have been raised after reports that the replacement phones were also experiencing faults and bursting into flames.

About 2.5 million smartphones were recalled in September over fears of the faulty battery

But fears have already come true on a US flight, with reports that a Southwest Airlines flight from Louisville to Baltimore

It comes after Samsung started to delay its shipments of the phone when it was realised that the jumbo smartphones could explode while being charged.

A total of 75 passengers and crew were forced to get off the flight with Samsung yet to confirm the incident involved the embattled Note 7.

The fault has been blamed on a problem with the phone batteries, with the phone potentially overheating and even bursting into flames or leaking dangerous chemicals - with about .

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