Airplane Passengers Put Everyone In Danger By Ignoring This Important Emergency Procedure

Passengers with flying anxiety have probably run through the "what if I need to evacuate the plane" situation in their heads hundreds of times — so often that they may feel like they've done it before. The procedure, in their heads: unbuckle your seatbelt, grab as many bags as you can, and go. But wait, is grabbing your bag really the smartest safety decision to make in an emergency situation? The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says no and asks passengers not to take their bags with them — yet too many people are still doing it.

After analyzing a number of American flight evacuations where passengers ignored crew directions and instead scrambled to pull their carry-on baggage off the plane, the FAA issued a new Safety Alert For Operators (SAFO 25003) on September 16, 2025, asking airlines to bring more attention to the fact that passengers should not attempt to carry their luggage off the plane during an evacuation. Passengers who try to bring their bags risk slowing down the evacuation process, blocking aisles, and increasing the chance for injury or fatality in an emergency event. This not only puts their own life in danger, but it endangers others on the plane who are also trying to evacuate. The goal for evacuations is for all passengers to leave the aircraft within 90 seconds, and trying to bring along your bags can severely delay this process. Not only does this inhibit the evacuation, but this could also damage evacuation slides, making them unable to be used by others. So, how can you be a considerate passenger in an emergency situation?

Travelers — especially new travelers — should always pay attention to the safety information provided by the flight attendants on board. While airline announcements may seem redundant, they contain crucial safety information related to evacuations. With the new SAFO implemented, airlines will start to emphasize the importance of leaving baggage behind in the event of an evacuation. 

If you are in an evacuation, the most important thing to do is to stay calm, and follow the crew's instructions. Flight evacuations don't always have to be a result of a plane crash landing in the ocean. Some recent evacuation events took place on the tarmac before the plane even took off.

Once evacuation is ordered, move quickly and do not attempt to bring your bags. The FAA notes in SAFO 25003 that grabbing bags during an evacuation is "a contributing factor in delayed evacuations, increased injury rates, and compromised survivability during time-critical emergencies involving smoke, fire, or structural damage." Not only is this terribly unsafe for you and the other passengers around you, but passengers who ignore crew instructions could be subject to fines, jail time, or even a complete ban from flying. Above all, passengers should keep in mind that their life is more valuable than anything inside a carry-on. Be sure to protect yourself and those around you before you worry about your belongings.