Key facts
- The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a campaign called 'Save a Life, Not a Bag'.
- The campaign aims to educate passengers to leave all baggage behind during emergency evacuations.
- A recent poll indicated that a significant portion of travelers might still take baggage during an evacuation.
- IATA is considering more stringent measures, including penalties or locking overhead bins, if education is insufficient.
- Baggage left in aisles can impede evacuation speed and potentially cause injuries.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has initiated a campaign to emphasize the critical importance of leaving personal baggage behind during aircraft evacuations. Titled 'Save a Life, Not a Bag,' the initiative seeks to educate passengers on emergency procedures, highlighting that every second counts and that baggage can obstruct exits and cause injuries.
A recent survey revealed that while a majority of travelers are aware of emergency protocols, a notable percentage still indicated a potential to retrieve their belongings, even against instructions. This behavior poses a significant risk, as even a small delay can impact the safe evacuation of all passengers.
Speaking at the IATA annual meeting, senior vice-president Nick Careen stated that the association would begin with an educational approach but is prepared to implement more severe measures, such as penalties or physically locking overhead bins, if necessary. IATA's director general, Willie Walsh, stressed that taking bags during an evacuation is a serious issue that can affect everyone onboard.
The campaign also advises passengers to keep essential items like passports and medication on their person to mitigate the temptation to retrieve them from overhead compartments during an emergency.