Russian Airline Tragedy

[Mustang51]

No doubt everyone has seen the horrifying footage of the airliner tragedy in Russia. I for one strongly believe that anyone who came out of that aircraft carrying their baggage should be charged with manslaughter. Sorry for perhaps such a strong view but just imagine yourself in the back of that aircraft tryine to escape through the forward slides with someone blocking the aisle trying to get their bag from the overhead.....

[Dave Homewood]

Yes, agreed on that.

[delticman]

May 7, 2019 10:18:30 GMT 12 Mustang51 said:

No doubt everyone has seen the horrifying footage of the airliner tragedy in Russia. I for one strongly believe that anyone who came out of that aircraft carrying their baggage should be charged with manslaughter. Sorry for perhaps such a strong view but just imagine yourself in the back of that aircraft tryine to escape through the forward slides with someone blocking the aisle trying to get their bag from the overhead.....

Didn't the same thing happen with the 737 at Manchester?

[Mustang51]

The arrogance and stupidity exhibited by anyone doing that is just totally beyond belief.

[planewriting]

...and no doubt everyone in New Zealand will understand not to do the same stupid thing. Seriously, I think CAA and the airlines should learn from that and in turn embark on more customer awareness but I guess with like so many things people will say "it doesn't concern me".

[Dave Homewood]

I think there should be better regulation of the size of what is taken on as hand luggage. I have seen some people get on the plane with basically a full suitcase, or guitars, etc, and then try to fit it in the overhead lockers. These people should be stopped at the gate. They're too selfish to check it in or arrange other stowage if it's fragile, so they'd be just the type to try to rescue it in an emergency.

[tbf25o4]

Dave, so true, I am always amazed at the flouting of the "one small carry on bag, no more than 7kg and a handbag" rule being openly abused, and the checkin staff ignoring it. I have on two occasions
when flying in the USA seen bags refused to be carried on and having to go in the checked luggage.
Perhaps there should be an automatic system of locking the overhead lockers in an emergency.

[Dave Homewood]

Of course these days people check themselves in so there's no chance for staff to pull them up till they get to the gate, and at that stage the luggage hold would be close to being closed if not already, so I think they just don't worry about the hassle of stopping people, and the gate staff make it the flight attendants' problem. That is how i see it anyway, correct me if I am wrong.

[Mustang51]

Think you are correct Dave. "Not my problem" is the basis of all the problems no matter what we are talking about. I too get really angry about those oversized bags and some carrying on two or even three of them. Flew to Qld recently and saw just that on the outbound and also return journey. I also think that 'appropriate footware' should be required. Some idiot with thongs on not being able to climb across debris in the aircraft or (worst case) if there is a fire will cause the same amount of delay to other pax as trying to get the duty free booze or bags out of the overheads. Again, charge them with manslaughter.

[Dave Homewood]

Yes, agreed about the footwear for sure. Even people in nice summer sandals are unknowingly putting themselves at risk. But I also cringe when I see stiletto high heels worn. You know they always break ankles in the movies when there is a panic, and I sure as hell don't want someone's stiletto through the top of my foot in a panicked rush. Check-in should have a sensible shoe policy ad if you're not wearing sensible footwear they should have loaners like at a bowling alley for the flight.

[johnm]

I wonder if overhead lockers could be locked by a locking device controlled by cabin crew - in an emergency everyone knows then .......... to leave without trying to open overhead lockers

......... of course in an emergency this might lead to more delay in passengers determined in opening overhead lockers

Could also be useful for any number of reasons (turbulence, deterrent, isolate, emergency) - and not locked if no reason exists

[johnnyfalcon]

No overhead lockers. All baggage in the hold, unless you can fit it under your seat or carry on your lap (medication, wallet, purse, passports, laptop...)

[thomarse]

I could be wrong, but in practice I think it suits the airlines to avoid the hassle of checking and handling baggage. I too sit there and ponder the situation that would arise with people frantically trying to get their bags.

I also shudder at the morons who leap up out of their seats as soon as the aircraft comes to a standstill (or before) and then stand in the aisle for ten minutes. An emergency evacuation at that point is quite on the cards too.

[nuuumannn]

I wonder if overhead lockers could be locked by a locking device controlled by cabin crew

Something like that could be done, but it would have to be remotely operated, which introduces cost modifying fleets of aircraft. In a small regional airliner there are up to 20 of these, so that means a lot of equipment added to the aircraft, which as to be fitted and paid for. Who pays? Passengers do. Then there are complaints about the cost of airfares etc.

No overhead lockers. All baggage in the hold, unless you can fit it under your seat or carry on your lap

Things like laptops and anything with a lithium battery won't be put in the hold for safety reasons. This includes camera batteries, phones etc and imagine the delays at check-in as people realise they have to then go through all their luggage and put cameras and stuff in checked luggage then put the batteries in something to take on the plane. Just more hassle at a crowded airport. If a battery overheats in the cabin you can put the fire out with a hand held extinguiser. In the hold, not so easily. There are lots of examples of fires as a result of these:

www.inc.com/peter-economy/lithium-ion-battery-on-delta-air-lines-flight-explodes-catches-fire-quick-thinking-crew-averts-disaster.html

I think the only real solution is for the ground staff to be stricter with enforcing cabin baggage allowances and also getting people to pay attention during the safety announcements.

During an emergency situation the hosties are busy getting emergency exits out and supervising egress, but again, there often aren't enough for each exit, so it's a tough one to try and enforce. It is really up to passengers to be mindful of what the people next to them are doing in an emergency.