FAA Orders Crackdown on Carry-On Bags During Emergencies

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking aim at a growing safety hazard: passengers refusing to leave their carry-on bags during emergency evacuations. A new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) issued this fall directs airlines to tighten procedures and passenger education after multiple high-profile incidents on American Airlines flights.

The alert follows a lithium battery fire on an American Airlines flight from Dallas/Fort Worth to Madrid and a July 26, 2025 evacuation of Flight 3023 in Denver, where video showed travelers sliding down emergency chutes with suitcases in hand. A similar scene unfolded on Flight 2045 in 2024 after a laptop battery ignited. FAA officials say retrieving luggage blocks aisles, damages evacuation slides, and dramatically increases injury and fatality risks.

Under the new guidance, airlines must use their Safety Management Systems to evaluate and mitigate evacuation hazards, revise safety briefings with firm “no bags” messaging, and launch outreach campaigns in airports and boarding areas. Suggested tactics include pictograms, videos, and messaging appealing to collective responsibility—“Help everyone get out safely—leave your bags.”

The FAA highlighted international examples where strict compliance saved lives, including Japan Airlines’ rapid evacuation of an A350 after a runway collision and Air Busan’s successful response to a power bank fire. By reinforcing cabin-crew authority and passenger awareness, the agency hopes to normalize leaving belongings behind during emergencies. With the holiday travel season approaching, regulators want airlines and passengers alike to prioritize safety over possessions.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, forbes.com, thetravel.com