By Hayley TsukayamaThe US Department of Transportation said Friday that airline passengers are no longer allowed to bring the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on a plane -- regardless if it's turned on or not -- starting Saturday at noon, Eastern. A smoking Galaxy Note 7 forced a Southwest Airlines flight to evacuate earlier this month. A formal recall followed, and Samsung has since discontinued the phone and offered full refunds or exchanges to anyone who still has the Note 7. But if there are any air travellers who -- for whatever reason -- haven't made the switch yet, they'll have to be smartphone-free starting this weekend. The release also says that passengers found with the phone may be removed from their flights.

Source: New Zealand Herald October 15, 2016 00:00 UTC