Flying to Turkey? This one annoying in-flight habit might earn you a hefty fine

Time of India

3 days ago

In the evolving world of air travel, passenger conduct has become as important as ticketing, boarding, and security protocols. While most aviation safety regulations focus on in-flight behavior and emergency preparedness, Turkey is now turning its attention to a different, often-overlooked part of the journey—the moments immediately after landing.
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In an unprecedented move that is stirring debate across travel communities, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in Turkey has introduced a new directive that allows for the imposition of fines on passengers who stand up prematurely after the aircraft touches down.
This long-overdue regulation addresses one of the most universally irritating aspects of flying—the chaotic aisle rush. Whether due to impatience or a desire to grab overhead baggage early, many passengers unbuckle their seatbelts and jump to their feet before the aircraft has even come to a complete stop.
While previously dismissed as a mere inconvenience or social faux pas, Turkish authorities now view this behavior as a breach of safety and aviation discipline, worthy of financial penalty.
According to The Economic Times report, the new regulation, issued by DGCA chief Kemal Yüksek, introduces fines of up to 2,603 Turkish Lira (approximately $70 or Rs 5,700) for offenders.
Turkey to fine passengers for standing too soon after landing
It's a familiar scenario on virtually every commercial flight: the moment the wheels touch the tarmac, a chorus of seatbelt clicks erupts.
Passengers leap to their feet, pushing into the narrow aisle in a frantic attempt to retrieve their luggage and be the first to exit. This behavior is so ingrained in travel culture that many have stopped questioning its safety implications.
However, the DGCA has called attention to the real risks involved:
Passenger safety : Abrupt movements during taxiing can result in falls or injuries, particularly during sudden stops or sharp turns.
: Abrupt movements during taxiing can result in falls or injuries, particularly during sudden stops or sharp turns. Baggage hazards : Prematurely opened overhead bins pose a risk of falling items, potentially causing injury to seated passengers.
: Prematurely opened overhead bins pose a risk of falling items, potentially causing injury to seated passengers. Emergency interference : In the event of a sudden emergency or pilot communication, standing passengers can obstruct crew members and emergency protocols.
: In the event of a sudden emergency or pilot communication, standing passengers can obstruct crew members and emergency protocols. Flight delays and disruptions: Disorderly deplaning may delay aircraft turnaround and cause issues for connecting flights.
The Turkish aviation authority now argues that standing early is not just rude—it's dangerous and disruptive.
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New Turkish aviation rule: $70 fine for rushing the aisle
According to reports, the new policy was introduced in early 2025 through an official communication from Kemal Yüksek, head of the DGCA. The directive states that any passenger who:
Unbuckles their seatbelt while the plane is still taxiing,
Opens overhead bins before the aircraft has come to a complete stop at the gate,
Pushes ahead of others in line, ignoring disembarkation order,
will be subject to penalties under existing civil aviation codes.
The fine for violations has been capped at 2,603 Turkish Lira, or approximately $70 (Rs 5,700)—a figure calibrated to be significant enough to act as a deterrent, yet not excessively punitive.
Turkey's in-flight fine rule: Here's how it will be enforced
The success of such a regulation hinges on enforcement, which raises logistical questions:
Monitoring : Flight crews will be trained to monitor and report violations as they occur. Surveillance footage may also be reviewed in extreme cases.
: Flight crews will be trained to monitor and report violations as they occur. Surveillance footage may also be reviewed in extreme cases. Reporting protocol : Airlines are required to submit incident reports to the DGCA if passengers violate the rule.
: Airlines are required to submit incident reports to the DGCA if passengers violate the rule. Issuance of fines : Once reported, the DGCA will issue administrative fines to passengers, potentially via the contact information provided during ticket booking.
: Once reported, the DGCA will issue administrative fines to passengers, potentially via the contact information provided during ticket booking. Appeals process: A provision is being developed for passengers to contest fines if they believe they were wrongly accused.
According to The Economic Times report, Turkish carriers such as Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, and AnadoluJet are expected to begin rolling out onboard announcements and training sessions to inform passengers and crew.
Is Turkey leading a new global trend
While Turkey is among the first countries to monetize penalties for post-landing misconduct, the issue of unruly passenger behavior has been on the rise globally:
FAA (United States): The Federal Aviation Administration recorded over 2,000 incidents of unruly passengers in 2023 alone, prompting fines exceeding $8 million.
The recorded over 2,000 incidents of unruly passengers in 2023 alone, prompting fines exceeding $8 million. European Union: EU aviation regulators have discussed uniform penalties for various onboard disruptions, including non-compliance with crew instructions.
EU aviation regulators have discussed uniform penalties for various onboard disruptions, including non-compliance with crew instructions. India and UAE: Authorities in these countries have urged stricter action against in-flight misconduct but have yet to implement fines for post-landing behavior.
Given these global developments, Turkey's initiative may serve as a template for future policies elsewhere.
International aviation bodies such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and ICAO may also weigh in if such practices gain traction across nations.
Public reaction: Necessary regulation or overreach
The Turkish public and global travel community are divided on the directive. Social media platforms have become hotbeds of debate:
Supporters argue:
'Finally, someone is doing something about the chaos. It's dangerous and selfish behavior.'
'This will teach frequent offenders to be more considerate of others.'
Critics claim:
'Fining passengers for standing up is overkill. The airlines should focus on better communication.'
'There are bigger problems in aviation—this seems like a distraction.'
Despite the mixed reception, surveys conducted by Turkish travel blogs indicate that over 58% of passengers support the measure, especially if it leads to safer and more orderly deplaning.
Airline responsibility: Educating before penalising
Experts believe that for the policy to succeed, airlines must emphasize education over punishment—at least initially. Suggested approaches include:
Updated announcements: Clear in-flight instructions in multiple languages before landing.
Clear in-flight instructions in multiple languages before landing. Onboard videos: Short clips explaining the safety rationale behind waiting until full stop.
Short clips explaining the safety rationale behind waiting until full stop. First-time warnings: Allowing a one-time warning for violators before issuing fines.
Such proactive steps could ensure that the rule is seen as a means to enhance safety—not as a mere revenue tool.
Cultural implications: Challenging the norm of impatience
This policy also represents a cultural shift. In an age where immediacy is often rewarded, waiting for one's turn—even in an airplane aisle—goes against the grain of modern impatience. The DGCA's stance sends a clear message: Civility and discipline matter, even in mundane moments.
Turkey's approach could influence not only airline policy but also traveler mindset. If successful, it could help re-establish norms of mutual respect, especially in crowded, shared spaces like airplanes.