IATA launches “Save a Life, Not a Bag” passenger safety campaign | News
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) today announced the launch of ‘Save a Life, Not a Bag’, a passenger safety campaign urging travelers not to take carry-on luggage during an aircraft evacuation.
Backed by aviation safety regulators including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the campaign reinforces what passengers should do when ordered to evacuate for their safety and the safety of everyone on board: follow crew instructions, leave all luggage behind and quickly proceed to the nearest usable exit.
“Taking luggage during an evacuation is no small matter. Every second counts. Even taking one bag can impact the safe evacuation of everyone on board. The crew’s instructions are clear and simple: leave everything behind and act quickly. ‘Save a Life, Not a Bag’ is a message that passengers must understand and act on,” said Willie Walsh, Director General of IATA.
The campaign responds to the growing number of cases where travelers have stopped to collect their luggage or take photos during plane evacuations. Evidence of this can be seen in many videos posted online.
“Rapid evacuation in an emergency saves lives. Aircraft are certified to strict evacuation standards and crews are extensively trained for emergency situations, to ensure that every passenger has the best possible chance of survival in an acute situation. For this to work in a true emergency, all passengers must do their part too. And it’s very simple: follow the crew’s instructions, leave all luggage behind and move quickly to the nearest usable exit. Not only will this save your life, but you will do your very best have done to keep everyone out of harm’s way,” said Florian Guillermet, EASA Executive Director
Valuable seconds can be lost when retrieving luggage from overhead bins. Carrier bags can cause people to fall or damage the slides that all passengers must use. Most worryingly, some passengers have attempted to evacuate while carrying babies as well as bags or other personal items, compromising safety at a critical time.
“We are seeing more and more passengers not following flight crew instructions during emergency situations. At such times, compliance is critical. Passengers should act quickly, follow instructions without hesitation, and leave behind all belongings. Safety is a shared responsibility, and well-informed, attentive passengers help ensure a faster and safer evacuation for everyone on board,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
