There are a few unwritten rules in life that should go without saying—like holding the door for someone behind you, not talking loudly in a movie theater, and, most importantly, prioritizing safety over material possessions during an emergency. However, one airline passenger recently disregarded a critical safety rule during an evacuation, and the internet is not happy about it.
A viral Reddit post has sparked outrage after a user shared side-by-side photos from what they described as an emergency evacuation on a Delta Airlines flight. The first image showed a firefighter inspecting the aircraft, while the second captured a strikingly different scene—one passenger standing among the evacuees, seemingly unfazed, scrolling through her phone. Unlike the others, she clutched onto her personal bag, and a suitcase sat beside her.
The issue? Airline safety protocols are crystal clear—in an evacuation, passengers must leave all carry-on items behind to ensure a quick and orderly exit. Carrying luggage can slow people down, potentially putting lives at risk. The Redditor, who posted the image on a Delta Airlines discussion page, titled it, "What NOT to do in an evacuation." They further emphasized the importance of following safety procedures, stating, "In the event of an evacuation, leave all carry-on items behind. Carrying baggage will slow the evacuation."
The post quickly gained traction, garnering nearly 10,000 upvotes and over 800 comments. Many users expressed frustration, calling out the passenger’s disregard for safety. One commenter even slammed her as being “self-absorbed”, pointing out that in a crisis, nothing should come before personal well-being and the safety of others.
In the comment section, people were outraged by the woman’s behavior. One redditor said, “Just imagine if there was a true emergency and this chick was busy getting her Louis Vuitton out of the overhead bin. She’d slow down everyone behind her and put their life in danger. I wouldn’t hesitate to trample her.”
Another shared the same sentiment and said, “I want these people to be FINED. Doesn’t FAA regulars prevent people from taking their items in an emergency?”
While some may see the baggage rule as excessive, carrying luggage during an evacuation can be risky and cause delays. Every second counts in an emergency, and holding onto personal items can slow others down, increasing the danger. Prioritizing safety over belongings is crucial for a swift and secure exit.