Should Airlines Penalise Travellers Who Stand As Soon As The Plane Lands?
Last Updated:
To boost safety and curb 'aisle lice,' Turkey's aviation authority is cracking down on passengers who stand up too early.
Why are people always in a hurry? Chances are you've noticed this, or maybe you've even been guilty of it. The moment the plane lands, and before the seatbelt sign turns off, some passengers are already up, scrambling for their bags and edging towards the door as if it's a sprint. It's annoying. It carries some risk. And in Turkey, it could soon come with a fine.
The Washington Post reports that Turkish aviation authorities are cracking down on passengers who stand up too early. Those who jump the gun or cause congestion in the aisles while waiting to leave the plane could now face penalties. While some welcome this move as a way to restore cabin order, others find it a bit harsh. Regardless, the new rule is making travellers think twice and encouraging safer behaviour for everyone's benefit.
To curb impatient passengers, Turkey's civil aviation authority is taking a stricter stance on those who stand up before it's allowed. According to a notice cited by The Washington Post, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation urged, 'Please do not unfasten your seatbelt, stand up, or open the overhead compartments until the seatbelt sign has been switched off."
'It is strictly forbidden to stand up, open overhead compartments, or be present in the aisle before the aircraft has reached its parking position and the seatbelt sign has been turned off," the notice adds.
While the behaviour might seem like a small inconvenience, authorities highlight that it poses genuine safety risks. If a plane comes to an abrupt stop, standing passengers could lose balance and fall. Opening overhead compartments too soon might cause luggage to tumble out and injure someone. And congested aisles could slow down or obstruct emergency evacuations when time is critical.
What Are The Stricter Deplaning Rules?
Under the newly enforced rules, passengers must remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop, the seatbelt sign is turned off, and the rows ahead have begun disembarking.
Airlines operating within Turkey are now required to update their standard in-flight announcements, reminding passengers to stay seated. Additionally, the Turkish aviation authority has reportedly instructed airlines to have flight crews report any travellers who unbuckle early or crowd the aisles before it's safe to do so.
The Aisle Rush Problem
Turkey's strict measures may seem harsh, but they tap into a widespread annoyance with a certain type of traveller, often referred to as 'aisle lice."
The term describes those overly eager passengers who leap into the aisle the moment the plane touches down, hoping to exit before anyone else. It's the in-flight cousin of 'gate lice," a nickname for travellers who swarm the boarding area long before their group is called.
In response to similar issues, American Airlines has now started testing new tech that notifies both passengers and gate agents when someone tries to board ahead of their turn.
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Should Airlines Penalise Travellers Who Stand As Soon As The Plane Lands?
Last Updated: To boost safety and curb 'aisle lice,' Turkey's aviation authority is cracking down on passengers who stand up too early. Why are people always in a hurry? Chances are you've noticed this, or maybe you've even been guilty of it. The moment the plane lands, and before the seatbelt sign turns off, some passengers are already up, scrambling for their bags and edging towards the door as if it's a sprint. It's annoying. It carries some risk. And in Turkey, it could soon come with a fine. The Washington Post reports that Turkish aviation authorities are cracking down on passengers who stand up too early. Those who jump the gun or cause congestion in the aisles while waiting to leave the plane could now face penalties. While some welcome this move as a way to restore cabin order, others find it a bit harsh. Regardless, the new rule is making travellers think twice and encouraging safer behaviour for everyone's benefit. To curb impatient passengers, Turkey's civil aviation authority is taking a stricter stance on those who stand up before it's allowed. According to a notice cited by The Washington Post, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation urged, 'Please do not unfasten your seatbelt, stand up, or open the overhead compartments until the seatbelt sign has been switched off." 'It is strictly forbidden to stand up, open overhead compartments, or be present in the aisle before the aircraft has reached its parking position and the seatbelt sign has been turned off," the notice adds. While the behaviour might seem like a small inconvenience, authorities highlight that it poses genuine safety risks. If a plane comes to an abrupt stop, standing passengers could lose balance and fall. Opening overhead compartments too soon might cause luggage to tumble out and injure someone. And congested aisles could slow down or obstruct emergency evacuations when time is critical. What Are The Stricter Deplaning Rules? Under the newly enforced rules, passengers must remain seated until the aircraft has come to a complete stop, the seatbelt sign is turned off, and the rows ahead have begun disembarking. Airlines operating within Turkey are now required to update their standard in-flight announcements, reminding passengers to stay seated. Additionally, the Turkish aviation authority has reportedly instructed airlines to have flight crews report any travellers who unbuckle early or crowd the aisles before it's safe to do so. The Aisle Rush Problem Turkey's strict measures may seem harsh, but they tap into a widespread annoyance with a certain type of traveller, often referred to as 'aisle lice." The term describes those overly eager passengers who leap into the aisle the moment the plane touches down, hoping to exit before anyone else. It's the in-flight cousin of 'gate lice," a nickname for travellers who swarm the boarding area long before their group is called. In response to similar issues, American Airlines has now started testing new tech that notifies both passengers and gate agents when someone tries to board ahead of their turn.
