Overhead bin. Photo: Shutterstock Leave the carry-ons behind during emergency evacuation. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an unusual Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) urging airlines to improve procedures, training, and passenger education. This follows repeated incidents of passengers taking their carry-on bags during emergency evacuations. According to the FAA, this behavior delays escape, endangers lives, and can damage emergency slides.
The SAFO alert that reached operators speaks about recent emergency evacuations where crews noticed passengers insisting on bringing carry-on luggage and small bags. This action can trigger critical delays during a scenario in which every second counts, possibly exposing passengers to life-threatening danger. Additionally, heavy or sharp luggage can easily tear or puncture emergency slides, thus endangering all passengers.
The FAA recommends that airlines take the following steps effective immediately:
- Make sure that all passenger briefings include clear, concise, and firm instructions to leave all hand luggage behind.
- Raise passenger awareness through dedicated campaigns even outside of the flight itself.
- Use company Safety Management Systems (SMS) to assess current procedures, identify failures, and improve processes.
The FAA stresses that the warning represents more than a procedural note, as airlines are not only responsible for crew performance during emergencies but also for ensuring passengers understand the critical importance of leaving belongings behind when evacuating. Failure to do so can jeopardize lives and damage emergency equipment, underscoring why this alert is being taken seriously.