IATA CALLS FOR OVERHEAD BIN LOCKS TO STOP BAG RETRIEVAL IN EMERGENCIES

The International Air Transport Association (Iata) has launched a passenger safety campaign urging travellers to leave cabin baggage behind during aircraft evacuations. The campaign, titled "Save a life, not a bag", was launched at Iata's annual meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It follows social media footage of passengers stopping to film and carrying suitcases during aviation emergencies. Iata warns that retrieving baggage during an evacuation can block aisles and exits, puncture evacuation slides, and create hazards for rescue personnel outside the aircraft.

Nick Careen, Iata's senior vice-president for operations and security, stated that fines could be introduced or overhead luggage bins automatically locked if the educational campaign fails to change behaviour. Aircraft are generally required to be fully evacuated in 90 seconds or less, with only half of the exits available for use during an emergency. An Iata survey found that only 61 per cent of passengers correctly identified that they should leave all personal items behind and exit immediately. Of those who had seen reports of passengers taking baggage during an evacuation, 22 per cent indicated they would likely do the same.

The campaign advises passengers to keep essential items such as passports, money, and medication on their person before take-off and landing. It instructs travellers to pay attention to crew, refrain from filming, keep moving, and exit the aircraft as quickly as possible. Careen stated that a significant gap in knowledge among some travellers could result in disaster. Iata has not yet confirmed a timetable for implementing fines or automatic bin-locking mechanisms.