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TSA says this cell phone is banned from all US planes

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When you are traveling, there are a few items that you probably consider to be absolute essentials that have to make it in your carry-on. Medications, obviously, are one of the biggest things you can’t forget, along with things like your keys and your wallet.

Of course, there is also another item most people won’t go anywhere without: their trusty cell phone.

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Phones are ubiquitous and play a crucial role in everyday life. You probably have your calendar and reminders on your phone, not to mention your rideshare app that you’re going to need to summon your ride when you get to your destination.

You likely even have your boarding passes on your phone. You could also soon have your ID, now that Apple will make it possible to add your passport to your wallet, and TSA said that digital identification is good enough for domestic travel.

Since we are all so reliant on our phones, being told you have to leave one behind could be a big problem. Unfortunately, if you have one particular kind of cell phone, you aren’t going to be allowed to bring it aboard – either in your hand luggage or in your carry-on bag. That’s per a TSA regulation that says this phone is absolutely not allowed on a plane.

Here’s what that forbidden device is, along with some details on why it cannot come along with you on your trip.

One cell phone model is being banned from flights.

Image source&colon; Joe Raedle/Getty Images

TSA says this phone is forbidden on flights

Although it may be very surprising to find yourself forbidden from bringing your phone aboard, that’s exactly what can happen if you have a specific cell phone model. Here’s what the statement on the TSA website says:

“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, but 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.

Check the TSA banned items list before packing

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.

Just recently, for example, the TSA issued an alert that portable chargers, power banks, and spare lithium-ion batteries are also prohibited from checked luggage, and for the same reason that the Samsung device is forbidden. These devices present an unacceptable risk of fire aboard planes.

The TSA maintains a list of items that you are not allowed to bring onboard, including whether the item is allowed in carry-on bags, checked bags, or not at all. You can also contact the TSA on X by reaching out to @AskTSA or by sending a text to 275-872.

More on travel:

U.S. government issues serious warning for cruise passengersDelta Air Lines makes a baggage change that travelers will likeUnited Airlines passenger incident triggers quick response

It’s always better to check before you get to the airport and discover that your phone or other item is not going to be able to get on the plane with you.