May 24, 2026, 12:53 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
In the event of an emergency on a plane, there’s no time for deliberation. Any delay can have consequences–especially if passengers quickly reach for backpacks, bags, or small suitcases. Authorities and airlines strongly warn against this. Here’s why and what happens to left-behind luggage after the plane is evacuated.
If a plane needs to be evacuated, one thing matters most: speed. Yet, evacuations often face dangerous delays because travelers ignore instructions and first retrieve their carry-on luggage from the compartments.
The German Federal Aviation Office warns that passengers not only delay themselves but also endanger others on board. Additionally, luggage can damage essential evacuation equipment–such as emergency slides.
Even while sliding, a backpack or small hard-shell suitcase becomes a problem: It can cause injuries, both to the person carrying it and to other passengers.
Lufthansa: Carry-on Luggage Must Be Left Behind
Germany’s largest airline also highlights this issue. Lufthansa makes it clear: “Passengers must immediately follow the crew’s instructions, leave all carry-on luggage behind, and quickly move to the emergency exits.” Cabin crews are specially trained for such exceptional situations and regularly practice evacuation procedures.
Because passengers repeatedly reach for luggage during evacuations, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) last year urged airlines to review and tighten their procedures. This includes clearer instructions before takeoff.
What Happens to Left-Behind Carry-on Luggage
In an emergency, the lives of oneself and other passengers must take precedence. However, it’s important to note: Left-behind carry-on luggage is not automatically lost.
According to Lufthansa, luggage can often be securely retrieved later and returned to passengers. Therefore, it’s advisable to attach a tag with contact information to your carry-on. It can also be helpful to photograph your luggage before departure.
However, the airline emphasizes: “Safety takes precedence over property.” Initially, medical care, passenger assistance, and the deployment of rescue forces are priorities–not the carry-on luggage.
With material from dpa