The FAA sent a message to all airlines encouraging them to re-evaluate their emergency evacuation procedures.
“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 told airlines operators earlier this week.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, passengers who attempt to retrieve their personal belongings during an emergency evacuation pose a significant safety risk to themselves and other passengers.
“This behavior directly affects safety by undermining evacuation efficiency.
It has been cited as a contributing factor in delayed evacuations, increased injury rates, and compromised survivability during time-critical emergencies involving smoke, fire, or structural damage,” the noticed stated.
The FAA suggests “a coordinated approach rooted in regulatory compliance, operational best practice, and clear public communication” to significantly reduce “evacuation times and preserving life in time-critical emergencies.”
Collecting Belongings Poses Great Risk
The FAA listed the risks and hazards associated with passengers not following emergency evacuation protocols.
- Elevated injury and fatality risk, due to passenger crowding in aisles and exits blocked by baggage.
- Delays to egress, increasing total evacuation time beyond survivability thresholds.
- Trip, slip, and fall hazards, particularly in high-stress, low-visibility environments.
- Damage to evacuation slides.
The agency suggested the airlines to “evaluate evacuation procedures and identify potential hazards,” make safety procedures clear to all passengers and passenger outreach and education both onboard and in the airport terminals.
