Turkey’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced it will start introducing penalties for passengers who stand up and unfasten their seatbelt before the plane has fully come to a stop
Sun-seeking Brits face being slapped with a substantial penalty for violating a stringent and unusual new plane rule.
Despite suffering through a scorching hot summer that has caused destructive wildfires and new curfew rules in one popular resort, Turkey remains one of the most beloved holiday destinations among Brits. In 2024, approximately 4.43 million British tourists visited Turkey. This number represents a significant increase, with a 16.6% rise compared to 2023, according to Travel Gossip.
Those who do head to Turkey would be wise to pay heed of a new law. The nation is taking a firm stance against impatient flyers who can’t contain their enthusiasm. The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority has declared it will begin issuing sanctions against those who unbuckle their safety belts and rise from their seats before the aircraft has completely halted.
“According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority, and a fine will be imposed,” the aviation authority announced.
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Travellers who grab their cabin baggage before the seatbelt signal has been extinguished will now face a €62 (roughly £53) penalty.
The new rules target not only those who unfasten their seat belts early, but also those who move to the front of the plane without waiting in line. According to the SHGM, those who “move to the aisle after the seat belt light goes off before the passengers in the front seats exit” may also face penalties.
Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey, has reportedly revised its in-flight announcement to alert passengers about a hefty fine for unbuckling seatbelts prematurely. The airline’s message warns that those flouting the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation via a Disruptive Passenger Report, followed by an ‘administrative fine’ in line with ‘applicable legal regulations’.
Confirmation is pending on whether other carriers will follow suit with similar cautions for flights landing in Turkey. Regardless, it’s probably best to remain seated until you’re certain it’s safe to unfasten your seatbelt.
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The announcement has ignited a fiery debate among travellers online, with many expressing concerns that this rule could exacerbate delays and prolong the disembarkation process. “There are umpteen reasons why I have been put off flying – for good,” one individual lamented. “This is just another one of them.”
Another person echoed the sentiment, exclaiming: “For goodness sake, I just want to stretch my legs, is that a crime?” while another speculated: “I suspect airlines will start charging us to board first and leave first, just like they do with everything else.”