American Airlines Evacuation Sparks Safety Concerns Over Carry-Ons
An American Airlines evacuation in Denver this July reignited concerns about passenger safety during emergencies after video showed travelers sliding down escape chutes with carry-on bags in hand.
The incident occurred on Flight 3023, reportedly following a landing gear fire. Video captured smoke billowing from the aircraft as passengers—some with luggage, others carrying children—used the slides. Lawmakers say such actions delay evacuations and increase risk.
Representative Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.) sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warning that modern aircraft configurations may hinder rapid evacuations. Cohen, who sponsored evacuation safety provisions in the 2024 FAA reauthorization, urged the agency to conduct realistic evacuation testing that ensures all passengers can exit within 90 seconds. The last FAA tests in 2019 were criticized for unrealistic assumptions, including passengers leaving without bags. Cohen said the Denver evacuation appeared to take up to 15 minutes.
Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) echoed concerns, questioning whether the FAA’s current standards account for real-world passenger behavior. Both lawmakers emphasized the need for updated protocols.
Safety experts stress that passengers should leave all belongings behind during an evacuation. Retrieving bags can block aisles, damage slides, and cost precious seconds that could save lives.
Anthony Brickhouse, director at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Forensic Lab, advised flyers to listen to safety briefings, locate the nearest exits, know their escape route, and keep shoes on during takeoff and landing—the phases when emergencies are most likely.
Whether the FAA will revise evacuation testing remains unclear, but lawmakers say action is urgent.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=American+Airlines, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/travel-health-security/
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, usatoday.com