The international airline body IATA has launched a major campaign to ensure passenger safety. This campaign aims to educate passengers that they should not carry any hand baggage in case of an evacuation. Recent trends show that passengers often tend to stop to collect their belongings or even capture pictures during an evacuation process.

This initiative is being undertaken in collaboration with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA). Carrying luggage in an evacuation is quite problematic, according to IATA. It affects movement in the aircraft cabin and aisle. With baggage, it is difficult for passengers to move and could harm others. It could also obstruct evacuation slides as well as escape path lights.

IATA Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security, Nick Carin, expressed concern. He stated that even a few extra seconds spent gathering luggage could put lives at risk. IATA represents over 370 airlines, accounting for approximately 85% of global air traffic.

Taking hand luggage during an evacuation slows down the evacuation process. It can block exits in an emergency. Passengers' hands become occupied, preventing them from supporting themselves or others. Luggage can also damage evacuation slides.

The campaign, titled "Save a Life, Not Luggage," aims to educate passengers about appropriate behavior in emergency situations. In recent cases, passengers have been seen grabbing luggage during evacuations. IATA believes that safety is every passenger's responsibility.