We have a public service announcement for you: if you own a Samsung Galaxy Note7, return it.
If you don’t, you’re an idiot. If you don’t return it and you try and get on a plane in Australia, you are breaking a whole lot of airline regulations. Samsung doesn’t want that to happen. Samsung will literally swap your phone at the airport to make sure you give it in.
[related title=”The Samsung Galaxy Note7 Recall” tag=”samsung-galaxy-note7-recall” items=”3″]
If you’re catching a plane — domestic or international — between 6AM and 6PM at any major Aussie airport (and also at the Gold Coast), Samsung has customer service points set up before security to swap your potentially explosive Galaxy Note7. As before, you’ll be able to swap to another Samsung phone and receive the difference in price back, or get a full refund.
If you had to leave the country without your Note7 — y’know, since they’re not allowed on planes — then get in touch with Samsung Australia and they’ll organise an alternative phone wherever you are or a full refund.
This is serious dedication to getting those Note7s back.
We’ve also been told that this whole Note7 mess has completely changed the way that Aussie airports deal with smartphones now. Where previously you’d be able to throw your phone into a single luggage bin with your keys and wallet and jacket, we’re told that Aussie airport travellers heading through checkpoints are being asked to separate their phones from the rest of their luggage. We’re checking with Sydney Airport to confirm whether that’s the case.
Sydney Airport has confirmed to Gizmodo that the ban is in place, although there is no official advice on separating phones from other personal items on check-in: “Many of our airlines have advised that due to worldwide safety concerns, the carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 devices aboard their flights is prohibited with immediate effect. The ban applies to devices being carried onto the aircraft, in carry-on baggage as well as check-in luggage. Other Samsung devices are not affected.
“Samsung has set up booths at the airport to assist passengers before they travel. Passengers are advised to contact their airline directly with any queries.”
Here’s the full text of Samsung Australia’s email to Galaxy Note7 owners:
If you are travelling from an Australian airport and have not yet returned your Galaxy Note7
We have arranged Samsung Australia customer service points at airports where you may exchange your Galaxy Note7 for an alternative device. This service is available from 6AM to 6PM (local time) and is located before security screening. These Samsung Australia customer service points can be found at:
Sydney Airport
(IATA: SYD / ICAO: YSSY)
• QANTAS domestic terminal
• Virgin and Jetstar domestic
• International terminal
Melbourne Airport
(IATA: MEL / ICAO: YMML)
• QANTAS domestic terminal
• Virgin domestic terminal
• International terminal
Brisbane Airport
(IATA: BNE / ICAO: YBBN)
• Domestic terminal
• International terminal
Canberra Airport
(IATA: CBR / ICAO: YSCB)
• Domestic terminal
Adelaide Airport
(IATA: ADL / ICAO: YPAD)
• Domestic terminal
Perth Airport
(IATA: PER / ICAO: YPPH)
• International terminal
• Virgin domestic terminal
• QANTAS domestic terminal
Gold Coast Airport
(IATA: OOL / ICAO: YBCG)
• Domestic terminal
If you are leaving Australia permanently or for an extended period of time and have to leave your Galaxy Note7 at the airport
Where possible, we will provide an exchange for another Samsung smartphone at the terminal before your departure. If we are unable to provide a remedy, the Samsung team at your destination country will contact you to arrange an exchange or full refund. Alternatively, you can contact Samsung Australia on 1300 362 603 or via the web form on our website once you arrive at your destination country for further assistance.
If you are at an airport that doesn’t have a Samsung Australia service point and you are unable to receive a replacement device
You will need to contact airport ground staff who will assist. Your Galaxy Note7 will need to be left at the airport and Samsung Australia will contact you to arrange an exchange or full refund. This includes both domestic and international airports.
If you have a Australian Galaxy Note7 and are currently overseas
If you are currently overseas, please contact Samsung Electronics in your current location. A list of contacts for Samsung around the world can be found here. You can also contact Samsung Australia on 1300 362 603 or via our website.