The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is now considered a hazardous material as it has the potential to suddenly catch on fire and subsequently explode. As it is considered explosive, the Galaxy Note 7 is not permitted to be brought on board any flights, with major US airlines, as well as Australian airlines having put a ban on the device. However, some Galaxy Note 7 owners can’t seem to part with their device even though Samsung has been constantly requesting all owners to return their device at their point of purchase and receive a full refund. There are currently still more than a million Galaxy Note 7 units in consumers hands and Samsung is trying to speed up the return process.
With that, Samsung is trying to expedite the return process for its customers by setting up kiosks or service stations in airports so that Galaxy Note 7 owners may obtain a refund or exchange their unit for a different device. This move by Samsung is logical as some Galaxy Note 7 owners may not be aware that the device is banned from flights and it may be too late for them to return their device once arriving at the airport. But with the new stations set up by Samsung, users will not have to worry about not being able to board the flight as they will be able to return their device at the airport itself. Unfortunately, these sites are only available at major Australian airports for the time being. However, seeing the number of Galaxy Note 7 units left in consumers hands and with the number of people flying increasing, it won’t be surprising if Samsung sets up similar stations in other airports around the world.
Currently, the stations are available in Sydney Airport, Melbourne Airport, Brisbane Airport, Canberra Airport, Adelaide Airport, and in Terminal 1 of Gold Coast Airport. If you are a Galaxy Note 7 owner who happens to be travelling to or from Australia, and will be at one of those aforementioned airports, it should be noted that you may obtain a refund for your device at one of the Samsung stations located within the airports. These stations are located just before security screening and will be open from 6am to 8pm, except at Canberra Airport, where the station is open till 6pm.