The FAA this week instructed U.S. airlines to emphasize to passengers that they should leave their carry-on bags behind in the event of an aircraft evacuation.
In a message to operators, the agency said passengers scrambling for their belongings during emergency situations remains a significant obstacle to air safety despite public education campaigns and pre-flight instructions.
“Operators should evaluate their emergency evacuation procedures, training, and emergency announcements and commands to address passenger non-compliance particularly in relation to carry-on item retrieval,” the FAA said. “A coordinated approach rooted in regulatory compliance, operational best practice, and clear public communication may contribute significantly to reducing evacuation times and preserving life in time-critical emergencies.”
The agency suggested carriers reexamine the safety briefings given to passengers, display signs and visual content stressing the importance of an orderly evacuation, and incorporate messaging that appeals to “collective responsibility.”
The issue came to greater public attention in July when passengers were seen sliding down inflatable evacuation slides with backpacks, bags, and even large pieces of luggage while evacuating an American Airlines flight that caught fire on a runway at Denver International Airport. Video of the incident was widely shared on social media, and aviation safety experts used the footage as an example of what not to do during an aircraft evacuation.
The FAA says that passengers who attempt to retrieve their belongings during an evacuation increase the risk of trips and falls and slow the movement of people out of an aircraft, which could contribute to injuries or fatalities in the event of a fire, smoke, or structural damage. Carry-on items can also damage evacuation slides.
