IATA Urges Passengers to Leave Bags Behind in Emergencies

Aircraft certification standards require passengers to be able to evacuate within 90 seconds, yet only 18 per cent of those surveyed were aware of this benchmark.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a global passenger awareness campaign aimed at addressing a growing safety concern during aircraft emergencies: travelers attempting to retrieve their luggage before evacuating. The campaign, titled "Save a Life, Not a Bag," is backed by major aviation regulators, including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It urges passengers to leave all belongings behind during an evacuation and follow crew instructions without delay.

Aviation safety officials say even a few seconds spent collecting baggage can create dangerous delays when every moment counts. The campaign comes in response to an increasing number of incidents where passengers have stopped to retrieve bags or record videos during emergency evacuations.

Research Reveals Dangerous Misunderstandings

To better understand passenger behaviour, IATA surveyed travellers in the United States, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore. The findings revealed several concerning gaps in public awareness. While most passengers believed they understood emergency procedures, only 61 per cent correctly identified that all personal belongings should be left behind during an evacuation. One in ten respondents admitted they might still attempt to take their baggage or follow others who do so, even if instructed otherwise.

The survey also found that many travellers misunderstand how quickly evacuations must occur. Aircraft certification standards require passengers to be able to evacuate within 90 seconds, yet only 18 per cent of those surveyed were aware of this benchmark.

Researchers also discovered that a significant number of passengers had seen reports or videos of people taking luggage during evacuations, and some said they would likely behave in the same way.

Small Delays Can Put Lives at Risk

Safety experts warn that retrieving baggage during an emergency can have serious consequences for everyone on board. Carrying bags can block aisles, slow movement toward exits and create obstacles for other passengers trying to escape.

Luggage can also damage evacuation slides, become trapped in aircraft fixtures or cause passengers to lose balance while exiting. Officials are particularly concerned about situations where travelers attempt to carry both personal belongings and children, increasing the risk of injury.

The campaign encourages passengers to prepare before take-off by keeping essential items such as passports, medication and money on their person rather than in overhead compartments. This simple step can reduce the temptation to retrieve baggage during an emergency.

To help reinforce the message, IATA has produced a new safety video using memorable visual scenarios designed to leave a lasting impression on viewers.

The campaign's core advice is straightforward: pay attention to crew instructions, leave all baggage behind, avoid filming or taking photos, keep moving and exit the aircraft as quickly as possible.

Industry leaders say aircraft crews undergo extensive emergency training and aircraft are designed to meet strict evacuation standards. For those systems to work effectively, passengers must do their part by responding immediately and putting safety ahead of personal belongings.