Originally Posted by
Annalisa12
I don't get why folks are panicking about leaving their phones, wallet, passport behind etc. If my plane ditches I just want to get out with my LIFE not all my belongings. I can always get a new passport and I am sure I won't be hauled off to jail because my passport was burnt or now at the bottom of the ocean and I don't have it on me.
Not all evacuations are immediately life threatening. I was evacuated from an aircraft on stand via jet bridge because of a fuel leak on a mid-summer's day. I was on a full 747 in the middle of boarding the last remaining rows when the captain came on the tannoy and ordered everyone off leaving all things behind.
The flight attendants switched into high gear and the plane was empty 5 minutes later. When it came time to re-board the aircraft, those who had brought their passports and boarding passes with them (this would be me) were let on first. Those who had those items stuffed in the lockers had to be escorted on board by the GA and a security person to verify the documents. this cost us 2 hours!
This is also why I never fasten my seatbelt right when I board but wait until the captain actually turns on the sign. The sign being off is usually an indication that the aircraft is in the process of being refuelled.