A Cathay Pacific Boeing 777-300
Photo Credit: Aero Icarus
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What happens to passengers’ belongings when left in an aircraft after an emergency evacuation?
This is an interesting question, and I hope the following answer will ease the minds of many passengers who are unfortunate enough to be involved in an emergency evacuation.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has regulated that all airliners must have the capability to have passengers and crew evacuated from the aircraft within 90 seconds in case of fire or some other emergency, even if half of the exits are blocked. As such, flight safety briefings have always included instructions for passengers to leave behind their carry-ons in the event of an emergency evacuation.
However, in reality, in most emergency evacuations, passengers have been seen grabbing their carry-on bags from the overhead bins and under their seats before heading for the emergency exits. These actions slow down the evacuation process, cause injuries to other evacuees while sliding down, and can even puncture the inflatable slides with sharp objects.
Grabbing their belongings during the rush to evacuate is a purely selfish and thoughtless act. While certain precious belongings can always be replaced, a passenger’s life cannot.
In a recent incident that occurred about a fortnight ago on June 24, 2023, in Hong Kong, during the evacuation of passengers on a Cathay Pacific Airways Boeing 777-300 flight after an aborted take-off, experts questioned the “bizarre” use of emergency slides and commented on how it was executed.
Despite being reminded during briefings that no suitcases should be taken along during an emergency evacuation, some were observed to have not followed the advice. Passengers were also instructed to remove high-heeled shoes before reaching the exits, as they could puncture the slides and make them unusable.
So, what happens to the luggage and belongings of evacuees left behind after an emergency landing?
Typically, the luggage will remain on the aircraft until they can be safely retrieved. If the emergency landing takes place at an airport, the belongings would be taken from the aircraft and transported to the terminal where they will be made available to passengers as soon as possible.
Airlines will make every effort to contact passengers and inform them about the recovery of their belongings. Contact details provided during the booking or check-in process are used to reach out to passengers. They are then instructed on how and where to retrieve their belongings.
So, folks, please be kind and leave everything behind if you have to evacuate during an emergency. By doing so, you can potentially save the lives of others through your unselfish act, knowing that whatever is left behind can be retrieved later when the situation is under control.
I wish you all a safe flight!
View YouTube video ‘Not Without My Stuff: Qantas Passengers Take Carry-On In Emergency Evacuation’