A new rule requiring airlines to lock overhead lockers on all UK flights could be introduced, with passengers warned to leave their bags behind in an emergency. The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has cautioned that 'draconian' measures may be enforced to ensure that travelers do not retrieve hand luggage during evacuations, which can significantly delay the process.
Safety Concerns Behind the Proposed Change
Aircraft are designed to be fully evacuated within 90 seconds in an emergency. However, passengers reaching for hand luggage can increase that time substantially, blocking aisles and exits, damaging evacuation slides, and causing injuries. Nick Careen, Iata senior vice-president for operations and security, emphasized that educating passengers is the first priority. 'We need to drive the message home that it is most important to leave hand baggage behind,' he said.
Passenger Awareness and Potential Penalties
Careen revealed that four in ten passengers do not realize they are expected to leave their belongings during an evacuation. Speaking at the Iata annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro, he stated, 'If we don’t see the type of behaviour changes that we’re expecting, then we’ll have to be a little more draconian, which could be penalties or a hard locking mechanism on the overhead bin.' He added that penalties are effective only if implemented consistently.
Bryan Bedford, an FAA administrator, stressed the importance of compliance: 'In those moments, compliance is critical. Passengers must act quickly, follow instructions without hesitation, and leave all belongings behind.'
Industry Calls for Behaviour Change
Rachel Loudermilk, managing director of inflight safety at Southwest Airlines, noted the challenge of changing passenger mindset. 'Getting that mindset shift to flip the switch and yell at them very directly in their face is tough, but that’s what we’re working on,' she said. She added that many passengers believe an emergency will not happen to them or that they will be safe even if they take a bag.
Careen urged travelers to build good habits, such as paying attention to safety demonstrations and keeping essential items like passports, money, and medication on their person. 'Save A Life, Not a Bag is meant to be a blunt reminder of what is at stake for everyone in the rare event of an evacuation,' he concluded.
