The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO), warning airlines about the dangers posed when passengers try to evacuate with their carry-on baggage during emergencies. Risks from non-complianceThe FAA noted that investigations and operational data have repeatedly identified this behavior as a recurring hazard. Passengers who attempt to retrieve bags can obstruct aisles and block emergency exits, damage evacuation slides, and create trip and fall hazards in low-visibility environments. Most critically, these actions delay evacuation times beyond survivability thresholds. FAA recommendationsThe FAA urged operators to strengthen pre-flight safety briefings with clear and standardized messaging that leaves no room for exceptions.