The Critical Importance of Leaving Belongings Behind in an Airplane Emergency
When it comes to evacuating an airplane during an emergency, there’s no such thing as a “grab-and-go” strategy. Leaving behind sacks, suitcases, and backpacks is not just a suggestion—it’s a literal lifesaver. A Connecticut-based flight attendant, Leanna Coy, recently went viral on TikTok for her impassioned warning about the dangers of trying to save your belongings during an emergency evacuation. “You should never bring your bag in an airplane evacuation,” she emphasized, addressing both occasional flyers and frequent travelers alike. Coy’s message comes in the wake of a frightening Delta Airlines incident at Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, where the plane caught fire and flipped over during an emergency landing. The harrowing evacuation footage served as a stark reminder of how quickly disaster can unfold and why passengers must prioritize their lives over their luggage.
The 90-Second Evacuation Rule: Time is of the Essence
Flight attendants like Leanna Coy are trained to evacuate an entire plane in just 90 seconds—a daunting task that requires precision, urgency, and complete cooperation from passengers. Coy stressed that this tight window leaves no room for delays caused by people trying to retrieve their bags. “We don’t have two seconds per person on the plane,” she said, underscoring the gravity of the situation. While some passengers might argue that grabbing their belongings would only take a moment, the reality is that every second counts. As Coy put it, “That’s how long you’re estimated to have to get off that plane.” ANY delay, no matter how brief, could have deadly consequences.
The Flight Attendant’s Role: Protecting Lives, Not Luggage
During an evacuation, flight attendants are not just issuing orders—they’re risking their lives to save yours. Coy explained the process in stark terms: “The flight attendant is going to go over and open whichever aircraft door they’re responsible for. Then, they’re going to start screaming the commands that we had to learn in training, which are something along the lines of ‘Leave everything! Come here! Jump!’” These commands are not optional; they’re a matter of life and death. The attendant at the door cannot leave until everyone is safely off the plane, which means they’re putting their own life on the line while waiting for passengers to comply. “While you’re there fumbling with your bag, they’re over there risking their life, waiting to get you off the plane,” Coy said.
The Myth of “Life-Saving” Belongings: No Item is Worth a Human Life
Some passengers might argue that they have “life-saving” items—such as prescription medication—in their luggage that they simply cannot leave behind. While this concern is understandable, Coy was clear: “Your life-saving medication, that can be replaced, is not more important than somebody’s life, that cannot be replaced.” She reminded viewers that possessions, no matter their sentimental or practical value, are ultimately replaceable. Lives, however, are not. Coy’s blunt message resonated with many, but it also sparked debate in the comments. Some questioned whether there were exceptions or alternative solutions, but her response was unyielding. “Your bag is not more important than your fellow passengers’ life,” she said. “Period, end of story.”
The Hidden Danger of Carry-On Bags in Emergency Evacuations
Beyond the time constraints of an evacuation, there’s another critical reason passengers must leave their bags behind: the emergency slides. “The slides are inflatable,” Coy explained. “The slides can pop—especially if you’re taking your roller bags with you.” If someone attempts to bring a heavy or bulky item down the slide, it could puncture the inflatable surface, rendering it useless for everyone else. “If you pop that slide with your bag, now everyone is out of luck,” she warned. This risk is far too great to ignore, and it’s one more reason why passengers must prioritize their safety—and the safety of others—over their belongings.
Why You Must Listen to Flight Attendants
Leanna Coy’s viral video has sparked an important conversation about airline safety and passenger responsibility. While some commenters dismissed her warnings or argued that flight attendants were being overly controlling, Coy set the record straight. “Please listen to your flight attendants,” she urged. “They’re not on a power trip, it’s not a conspiracy. They are risking their lives to try and save yours.” Her message is simple but profound: in the rare event of an emergency, your life—and the lives of those around you—depend on your willingness to follow instructions and leave your baggage behind. As Coy so eloquently put it, “Choosing your bag over protecting a living, breathing person is incredibly, incredibly selfish.” Let’s all take her advice to heart and remember that no item, no matter how valuable, is worth more than a human life.
