Why Do Passengers Risk Lives for Carry-on Bags? IATA Launches New Safety Study

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is launching a new study. The goal is to understand why passengers retrieve carry-on baggage during aircraft emergency evacuation events. This behavior is a serious threat to aviation safety standards.

IATA’s safety and security chief, Nick Careen, stated that the problem is clearly visible in video footage. These videos show people sliding down escape chutes while holding their bags. IATA Director General Willie Walsh called the behavior “absolutely crazy.” He stressed that nothing in luggage is more important than a life. The association is committed to avoiding a future tragedy caused by this issue.

The Critical 90-Second Evacuation Rule

Aircraft manufacturers must demonstrate a full evacuation for certification. The 90-second evacuation rule requires that all passengers and crew must exit the aircraft in 90 seconds or less. This test must use only half of the available emergency exits.

This strict aviation safety standard is based on fire safety research. Studies from the 1960s showed that a cabin remains survivable for only about two minutes in a post-crash fire. The 90-second limit is designed to ensure people escape before a dangerous "flashover" condition occurs.

However, Mr. Careen acknowledged that in real-world events, the 90-second target is “not close” to being achieved.

Impact of Retrieving Luggage During Evacuation

Retrieving luggage during evacuation significantly delays the entire process. Passengers stopping to access overhead bin retrieval block the aisle for others. Heavy or sharp objects can also damage the inflatable emergency slide damage system.

• One study found that if 50% of passengers try to retrieve their bags, the median evacuation time increases by about 38%.
• This delay can push the total evacuation time past the 90-second limit.
• A longer evacuation time increases the risk of exposure to smoke and fire.

Investigating Psychological Factors in Emergencies

IATA plans to study the psychological factors in emergencies to understand and change this behavior. The goal is to determine the best way to appeal to people to “do the right thing.”

Previous research offers some insight into why passengers ignore clear cabin crew instructions to leave all items behind. Reasons include:

• Instinctive Behavior: Passengers want to save important items like passports, medication, and electronics.
• Lack of Trust: Some people do not trust airlines to return or replace their belongings after an incident.
• Complacency: Many passengers believe there is enough time before a real danger occurs.

Industry Response and Future Campaigns

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has also taken action. The agency issued a formal FAA safety alert to airlines. This alert urged carriers to review their emergency procedures and improve passenger education.

IATA is planning a public campaign for next year to address this issue directly. The campaign will use multimedia content to educate travelers on the critical need to prioritize life over belongings. This effort is part of a broader push to enhance IATA evacuation safety and global commercial aviation news. For more on safety and operational developments, visit https://flying.flights. The industry hopes to create a cultural shift. This shift will ensure that all passengers follow cabin crew instructions immediately during an emergency.