Investigating aircraft passenger hand luggage evacuation behaviours Mark Stringfellow and Rebecca Grant Centre for Mobility and Transport Coventry University, UK
Background Hand luggage retrieval (or attempted) observed during numerous emergency evacuations. Potential to negatively impact evacuation. Information and instructions on non-retrieval via safety communications.
Background Evidence of a lack of attention, engagement and comprehension of safety information/procedures. Limited research on the issue of hand luggage retrieval. Is it that passengers are unaware of the information and procedures or are other factors involved?
Research programme Initiated a programme of study to provide an in-depth investigation into the issue. Research enhanced by industry involvement. Explore the issues Develop potential interventions/solutions Evaluate solutions
PhD Aim Investigating passenger hand luggage behaviours during aircraft emergency evacuation scenarios with the goal of improving evacuation behaviours.
Initial Study Aim To explore why and where passengers store hand luggage, along with their knowledge and understanding of the hand luggage safety procedure.
What does the study involve? Conducting one to one interviews with members of the general population Participants must have at least one experience of flying as a commercial airline passenger in the last five years
Areas Covered Cabin storage location of valuable items Cabin storage vs. Hold storage Perceived likelihood of bag retrieval Knowledge of procedure Solutions
Valuables Passport Mobile phone Wallet/Purse/Money Laptop/Tablet Medication
How do passengers store their valuables? Bag 37% Pouch/Purse 59% No bag 4%
Where do passengers store their valuables? 4% 39% 24% 33% On their person Overhead locker Under a seat Seat pocket
Evacuation Scenarios Two evacuation scenarios were described to passengers, after which they were asked the likelihood that they would retrieve each of their items/bags during the evacuation. Evacuation One: No immediate threat to passengers noticeable Evacuation Two: FIRE: Immediate threat to passengers noticeable.
Likelihood of retrieval for In Evacuation One (no fire), 73% of respondents said they would retrieve their bag 86% would retrieve when bag contains a valuable In Evacuation Two (with fire threat), 38% of respondents said they would retrieve their bag 48% would retrieve when bag contains a valuable
The Importance of Valuables When asked to provide reasons why they would retrieve hand luggage during an evacuation, 100% of participants cited the high value nature of their goods.
Reasons for not checking items into the hold: Cabin Storage vs Hold Storage Speed 16% Fear of loss in the hold 36% 54% of responses due to fear of loss and damage Save money 30% Fear of damage in the hold 18%
Cabin Storage vs Hold Storage Saves you having to do the whole baggage collection thing Primarily to save money I ve lost luggage in the past Just in case the baggage goes missing So my tablet doesn t get broken or damaged
Passenger knowledge of hand baggage procedure Did not know correct procedure 34% Guessed assume don t take 32% Knew correct procedure leave items 34%
Passenger knowledge of hand baggage procedure No, I don t know any rules or regulations I believe you re not supposed to do it at all. Rucksack, hand luggage, nothing. No, I don t, but I would assume that even taking a purse is not allowed
Passenger s Solutions Communication Make the safety brief more entertaining More cabin crew to convey safety messages Instruct passengers to keep valuable items in close proximity Education/Knowledge Place safety instructions on the back of tray tables Embed safety procedures in airline magazines Educate passengers prior to boarding Explain the consequences of hand luggage retrieval
Passenger s Solutions Signage Signage on the overhead lockers More comprehendible symbols on safety card Not using symbols on safety card (use words) Engineering Central storage location within the cabin for hand luggage Punishment of misbehaving passengers make an example of people Centrally lock the overhead lockers
Thank you! Mark Stringfellow stringfm@uni.coventry.ac.uk Rebecca Grant rebecca.grant@coventry.ac.uk +44 (0) 2477 657658