The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned that “draconian” measures, including locking overhead bins, may be necessary to prevent travellers from retrieving luggage during evacuations.

Efforts to collect bags during emergencies can delay evacuations and risk passenger safety, the organisation said.

Aircraft must be capable of being evacuated within 90 seconds, according to IATA.

IATA has launched a campaign called “Save A Life, Not A Bag” urging travellers to leave belongings behind during evacuations.

The campaign was created in response to an increasing number of incidents where passengers attempted to retrieve bags during emergencies, or even stopped to take photos.

Nick Careen, senior vice president of operations, safety, and security at IATA, said: “If we do not see the type of behaviour changes that we’re expecting, then we will have to be a little more draconian which could be penalties and could be something as simple as a hard locking mechanism on the overhead bin.

“Penalties are somewhat effective but unless they are implemented on a consistent basis then they lose their effectiveness.”

IATA’s campaign is supported by safety bodies including the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The group also commissioned a survey of passengers in the UK, US, UAE and Singapore, which found that while 80% believed they knew what to do in an emergency evacuation, only 61% correctly identified that they should leave all personal items behind.

The issue has real and potentially deadly consequences, said IATA’s director general Willie Walsh.

Mr Walsh said: “Taking bags during an evacuation is not a minor issue.

“Every second matters.

“Even taking one bag can affect the safe evacuation of everyone onboard.

“Crew instructions are clear and simple: leave everything behind and move quickly.

“‘Save A Life, Not A Bag’, is a message that passengers need to understand and act upon.”

EASA’s executive director Florian Guillermet explained why rapid, unobstructed evacuation is essential.

Mr Guillermet said: “Rapid evacuation in an emergency situation saves lives.

“Aircraft are certified to stringent evacuation standards and crews are trained extensively for emergency situations, to make sure every single passenger has the best possible chance of survival in an acute situation.

“For this to work in a real emergency, all passengers must play their part too.

“And it is very simple: follow crew instructions, leave all baggage behind and move quickly to the nearest usable exit.

“Not only will this save your life, but you will have done your very best to allow everyone to get out of danger.”

FAA administrator Bryan Bedford highlighted the rise in non-compliance during emergencies.

Mr Bedford said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of passengers not following flight crew instructions during emergencies.

“In those moments, compliance is critical.

“Passengers must act quickly, follow instructions without hesitation, and leave all belongings behind.

“Safety is a shared responsibility, and informed, attentive passengers help ensure a faster, safer evacuation for everyone on board.”

Mr Careen believes that while most people have some understanding of evacuation protocol, it is often incomplete.

He said: “The majority of passengers know what to do in an accident.

“There is, however, a significant gap in knowledge among some travellers that could result in disaster.

“Even just a passenger or two taking a few extra seconds to gather personal items can endanger lives.

“That is why it’s essential to build good habits for all travellers, like paying attention to safety demonstrations each time and keeping essential items, such as passport, money, and medication on person.

“It is also important that passengers understand the consequences of not listening to the crew.

“‘Save A Life, Not A Bag’, is meant to be a blunt reminder of what is at stake for everyone in the rare event of an evacuation.”