Samsung Setting Up Booths At BWI Amid Note 7 Ban

BALTIMORE (WJZ)—A Samsung representative may be waiting for you the next time you board an airplane.

It's part of the company's damage control after their Note 7 cell phones were banned from flights over possible explosions.

Samsung has set up tables at some airports, including BWI to switch out phones for passengers who didn't get the memo.

Nearly 2 million Samsung Note 7s are being recalled to date.

In a statement the company said, "We know this is an inconvenience to our customers but their safety has to remain our top priority."

Aviation experts agree.

"This is a small price to pay for safety. We cannot have these phones bursting into flames on flights," said aviation expert John Nance.

Earlier this month, before that ban was put into place by the Department of Transportation, a Note 7 on a flight bound for Baltimore, started smoking before take-off.

"I heard some popping that sounded like a zip lock popping open, a zip lock bag popping open, and looked around to see what that was and there was smoke that was billowing, pouring out of my pocket," said Brian Green.

Passengers welcome the ban in the name of safety.

"Sitting next to someone and their suitcase starts smoking, you think it is a bomb, that's terrifying," said Chris Jones.

"I just hope people are smart about it and do what's recommended and not bring it on their plane," said another traveler.

The Samsung customer service reps at the airports are the last resort.

Samsung wants people to return those phones before they get to an airport for a flight.

If you have a Note 7 the Consumer Product Safety Commission says you should turn it off immediately and go to your wireless provider for a refund or a different model device.

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