Türkiye (Turkey) to Fine Airline Passengers Who Stand Up Before the Plane Stops

If you're planning to fly to or within Türkiye, there's a new rule you should know about: passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts or stand before the plane comes to a full stop may now face a fine.

The rule was introduced by Türkiye’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation earlier this month. It applies to all passengers who try to stand, open overhead compartments, or move around before the seatbelt sign is turned off after landing.

According to Turkish officials, many travelers have ignored flight crew instructions and gotten up before the plane reaches the gate. Some even grab their luggage from the overhead bins while the aircraft is still moving. These actions, officials say, can be dangerous and cause problems for other passengers.

To stop this, flight crews are now required to make a clear announcement reminding passengers to stay seated with their seatbelts fastened. The message also asks travelers to wait their turn when leaving the plane.

Anyone who ignores the rules can be reported using a "Disruptive Passenger Report." While the exact amount of the fine was not officially confirmed, Turkish media say it could be around $70 USD.

Turkish Airlines, the country’s national airline, has already updated its landing announcements to match the new rules. The airline now warns that passengers who don’t follow safety instructions will be reported and fined.

This change comes after a rise in complaints from passengers about others not waiting until the plane has fully stopped. The aviation authority said the rule is about keeping everyone safe and making the deplaning process smoother for all.

Similar rules exist in other countries, including the United States, where ignoring seatbelt signs or flight crew orders can also result in fines or other penalties.

Türkiye is a popular travel destination with millions of tourists visiting each year. This new rule is a reminder for travelers to follow simple safety rules and respect others while flying.