> The only argument against this that is correct, is that like in every other domain people would self-assess their own abilities too optimistically, so even th

> The only argument against this that is correct, is that like in every other domain people would self-assess their own abilities too optimistically, so even those who are slow would believe that they can retrieve their luggage fast enough to not hinder the evacuation, but then they would be proven wrong. This is they key. Not only overestimating their speed in taking down the luggage, but also other passengers overestimating how much time they have to safely get off the plane. Take Spantax Flight 995, for example. Almost everyone survived the initial crash landing, but dozens died from smoke inhalation. Most of those who died were seated in the rear of the plane, where there was traffic in the aisles due to one or two people grabbing luggage from the overhead bins. There is an account from a survivor from the rear of the plane who only managed to escape because he climbed over the seats to get around the traffic. Most other passengers in the area were content to wait, not realizing how quickly the smoke would spread and turn lethal.