FAA Warns: Grabbing Bags in Evacuations Puts Lives at Risk
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued an urgent warning reminding passengers that grabbing bags during an emergency evacuation can cost lives. The agency says too many travelers still try to retrieve carry-ons during critical moments, slowing evacuations and increasing the risk of injury or fatalities.
On September 16, 2025, the FAA released Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO 25003), highlighting rising incidents in which passengers attempted to collect their belongings during evacuations. The alert warns that retrieving bags can block aisles, damage evacuation slides, delay escape, and jeopardize the safety of everyone onboard. A follow-up FAA statement on September 19 urged airlines to strengthen safety messaging, training, and crew procedures to ensure passengers clearly understand the rule: leave all belongings behind.
While this is not a new regulation, SAFOs carry significant weight with inspectors and investigators. Airlines are now expected to revise safety demonstrations, update safety cards, harmonize public-address messages, and incorporate realistic “bag retrieval” scenarios into crew evacuation drills. The FAA also recommends that airports support the effort with clear signage, visual reminders, and public awareness campaigns emphasizing that bags must be abandoned during emergencies.
The problem is global. One of the most tragic examples remains the 2019 crash landing of a Sukhoi Superjet at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo Airport, where 41 people died. Images of passengers fleeing with bags reignited long-standing concerns about ignored safety instructions. Similar incidents have occurred in the United States, Europe, and Asia. With international rules requiring airplanes to be fully evacuated in 90 seconds using only half the exits, even a few passengers stopping to grab bags can make achieving that benchmark impossible.
Why do passengers ignore the rule?
Some experts say the issue is rooted in trust. Travelers may fear losing valuables or believe airlines will not compensate them after an emergency. As one observer argued in French, the real solution may lie in reassuring passengers through guaranteed reimbursement of belongings lost during evacuations. Others suggest practical alternatives such as allowing a small emergency pouch containing essential items like medications or documents—provided it does not slow down escape.
In some countries, taking a bag during an evacuation is treated as a criminal offense. France, for example, allows penalties of up to one year in prison or a €15,000 fine (US$17,250). Advocates argue that strict fines or even flight bans could help reinforce the seriousness of the rule.
Ultimately, the FAA’s message is simple: no personal item is worth risking your life or the lives of others. In an evacuation, trust the crew, move quickly, and leave everything behind. Safety comes first—and everything else can be replaced once you’re safely on the ground.
FAA Link: SAFO 25003 https://www.faa.gov/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/airline_safety/safo/all_safos/SAFO25003.pdf
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, carrollcountyobserver.com