If you’re one of those passengers who jumps up and grabs their bag the second the plane touches down, you might want to reconsider your actions—Turkey has had enough of this common flying habit.
Air travel is already filled with its fair share of frustrations—long queues, flight delays, and cramped seating. But one behavior that unites many travelers worldwide is the aisle rush. You know the type: as soon as the plane’s wheels hit the tarmac, they’re out of their seat, yanking their bags from the overhead bin, much to the annoyance of everyone around them.
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Turkey Takes Action
Now, Turkey is taking action to curb this disruptive habit. The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation, led by Kemal Yüksek, has issued a new directive to cabin crews: passengers who disregard the disembarkation order—standing before the plane has fully stopped or rushing into the aisle before it’s their row’s turn—could face official penalties.
The Penalty: A Fine
In a recent announcement, Yüksek stated that passengers who fail to “respect the disembarkation priority of those in front of or around them” can be reported to authorities and may face an administrative fine under Turkey’s aviation regulations. So, how much will this impulsive aisle dash cost you? According to The Washington Post, the fine could reach up to 2,603 Turkish lira, roughly $67 USD.
What’s Considered Disruptive Behavior?
The new rules cover several behaviors that are often seen on flights, including:
- Unbuckling seat belts too early
- Standing before the plane stops taxiing
- Opening overhead bins prematurely
- Rushing into the aisle ahead of your row
Officials warn that these actions not only disrupt the order of disembarkation but can also jeopardize passenger safety and show a lack of respect for fellow travelers.
Final Thought
So, if you’re flying to or through Turkey soon, remember to stay buckled, stay seated, and stay patient. That extra 90 seconds of waiting could save you a fine—and prevent the scorn of your fellow passengers.
