The International Air Transport Association has launched a Save a Life, Not a Bag passenger safety campaign urging travellers not to take cabin baggage during an aircraft evacuation.
The initiative reinforces what passengers must do when instructed to evacuate for their safety and the safety of all on board: follow crew instructions, leave all bag gage behind, and move quickly to the nearest usable exit. IATA says the campaign responds to the growing number of cases where travellers have stopped to collect their baggage or take photos during aircraft evacuations, after a survey has found nearly 40% didn’t know they should leave all personal items behind.
“Taking bags during an evacuation is not a minor issue. Every second matters. Even taking one bag can affect the safe evacuation of everyone onboard. Crew instructions are clear and simple: leave everything behind and move quickly,” says Willie Walsh, IATA’s director general.
The association says concerningly, some passengers have been seen attempting to evacuate while carrying both infants and bags or other personal items, compromising safety at a critical moment.
The campaign encourages passengers to keep essential items such as passport, money, and medication secure on their person before take-off and landing.
