Originally Posted by
Annalisa12
It's not just economy. In a business class I was in on an Asian carrier. I can't recall which one. The couple opposite me and their 2 children behind them had so many belongings and bags on the floor I thought of what would happen if they had to evacuate in a hurry. I cannot see how they could of gotten out easily. I found it hard to believe that staff did not ask them to put their things away.
The rule is that area needs to be clear for takeoffs and landing. If a emergency landing needed from cruising altitude there is usually time to stow these items properly. If there is no time or physically impossible to re-stow these item the chance of a need for emergency evacuation is very low.