IATA Urges Travelers Worldwide to Leave Bags Behind During Aircraft Evacuations to Save Lives and Improve Safety

Published on December 14, 2025

In a significant move to improve passenger safety, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched an urgent global campaign to remind flyers that leaving their bags behind during aircraft evacuations is not just a courtesy, but a critical safety action. This call to action stems from growing concerns about the number of passengers who, in emergency situations, refuse to leave their belongings behind—potentially delaying the evacuation process and risking lives.

The campaign highlights an often-overlooked aspect of air travel safety. While air travel is generally considered one of the safest modes of transportation, emergency evacuations remain a life-and-death matter. With an increasing number of incidents where passengers take an additional few seconds to retrieve their carry-on bags during evacuations, IATA has made it clear: bags are replaceable; lives are not.

Government and Aviation Authority Backing: Why This Message Matters

Governments and aviation authorities worldwide have long emphasized the need to leave everything behind during emergency evacuations, including bags and personal items. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and other government entities have all set regulations and guidelines that prioritize the swift and efficient evacuation of passengers in emergencies.

The FAA has issued multiple advisories, echoing the same message as IATA—leaving bags behind is not just a suggestion, but a matter of safety. A delay of even a few seconds in evacuations can prove catastrophic. According to the FAA’s emergency procedures guidelines, every second matters when evacuating an aircraft, and personal belongings should never stand in the way of quick exits. This message is reinforced by EASA, which has also contributed to raising awareness on this issue through a series of passenger safety campaigns.

Despite this, a troubling trend has been emerging: more passengers are seen attempting to retrieve their carry-on bags during evacuations, often delaying the process and preventing others from escaping in time. The IATA’s campaign comes as a direct response to this concerning trend, which, according to IATA officials, has become more prevalent in recent years.

Why Do Passengers Grab Their Bags?

Understanding the psychology behind passenger behavior during aircraft evacuations can provide insight into why many continue to retrieve bags, despite the risks. For many travelers, their personal items—whether it’s a phone, a wallet, or important documents—carry significant emotional or financial value. These objects can feel like an extension of oneself, and the instinct to protect them often overrides more rational thinking in moments of panic.

However, IATA’s message is clear: Bags can be replaced, but lives cannot. In the chaos of an emergency evacuation, every second counts, and the few moments spent searching for a bag can significantly increase the risk of harm to both the individual and fellow passengers.

Experts in aviation safety stress that when evacuating a plane, passengers should aim to move as swiftly as possible without hindrances. IATA and safety agencies have emphasized that carry-on bags obstruct evacuation paths, block exits, and contribute to dangerous delays. In high-stress environments, this delay can lead to a tragedy.

Real-Life Impact: A Close Call

Recent studies have shown how close some passengers have come to tragic outcomes simply because others were unwilling to leave their bags behind. In one particular case, during an emergency evacuation of a flight from Dubai, a small number of passengers refused to leave their carry-on items behind. While all passengers ultimately survived the ordeal, the incident highlighted the danger of bag retrieval during evacuations.

As more airlines and aviation regulators endorse IATA’s safety campaign, it is clear that travelers must change their behavior in these moments. This campaign is not merely about education but about changing ingrained passenger behaviors that can save lives. According to IATA’s Director General, Willie Walsh, this initiative could be the key to preventing future aviation tragedies.

The IATA Campaign: A Global Wake-Up Call

IATA is not only focusing on passengers but is also working alongside airlines to incorporate these critical safety messages into their pre-flight briefings and safety demonstrations. While the guidelines are clear and well-known to regular travelers, the IATA campaign aims to further instill the message that no item in your bag is worth risking your life over.

By educating passengers about the dangers of retrieving carry-on items during evacuations, IATA hopes to foster a global shift in travel culture. This initiative will involve partnerships with aviation safety experts, airline staff, and even social media influencers to spread the word about why it’s so important to leave your bags behind.

Impact on Global Travel and Safety Practices

This campaign is particularly relevant to global travelers who may find themselves in unfamiliar territory, where the urgency of an emergency may cloud their judgment. Whether you’re traveling to New York, London, or Tokyo, knowing the importance of swift evacuation can make all the difference.

In a world where air travel continues to rise, especially with post-pandemic demand at unprecedented levels, IATA’s message is timely and critical. With travelers from around the world flying to destinations ranging from Australia’s Outback to North America’s icy expanses, this issue transcends borders.

Governments and aviation authorities continue to refine safety regulations, but it is clear that IATA’s efforts to engage travelers directly may be the game-changer in improving emergency response times.

The Role of Airlines in Educating Passengers

Airlines are now working hand-in-hand with IATA to ensure passengers understand the importance of leaving their bags behind. In-flight announcements, safety demonstrations, and training for cabin crew members are all part of a larger, global effort to mitigate the risks associated with baggage retrieval during evacuations. This collaboration between airlines, regulatory bodies, and passenger advocacy groups will help reinforce the importance of leaving bags behind, ultimately creating a safer environment for all travelers.