The Most Efficient Way to Evacuate a Plane, According to Science
By Ivan Farkas
Published on April 23, 2026.
A study by the University of Calgary suggests that the most efficient way to evacuate a plane is to distribute elderly individuals strategically throughout the aircraft. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established a standard time of 90 seconds for passengers to exit the aircraft, which does not reflect real-world conditions. Older individuals are more likely to have issues with mobility, dexterity, or cognition. The Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin (EVAC) Act has been introduced in 2022, calling for updated evacuation regulations that consider realistic cabin conditions such as limited seat pitch, narrow aisles, aging passengers, and individuals with reduced mobility. The global median age is expected to rise from 31 to 36 by 2050, and the number of elderly individuals is increasing. As the global population ages, the odds of an elderly-dominated flight increase, requiring updated safety strategies.
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