ANKARA, Türkiye — Türkiye has introduced new regulations aimed at curbing a familiar but risky practice among air travelers: unbuckling seat belts and standing up before the plane has come to a complete stop. Passengers who violate the rules could now face fines under guidelines issued by the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation.
Effective this month, all commercial airlines operating within Türkiye must revise their standard post-landing announcements. The updated script must warn passengers to stay seated with seat belts fastened until the aircraft reaches its final parking position — and to inform them that violations will be documented and may be reported for fines.
While the directorate did not specify exact penalties, Turkish media have reported that offenders could be fined up to $70. The move comes after a wave of complaints and inspections revealed that passengers frequently disregard crew instructions, compromising onboard safety and passenger satisfaction.
“Despite repeated announcements, many passengers still stand before the aircraft is parked and before the seat belt sign is off,” the directorate said in a statement. “This behavior creates serious safety risks and undermines orderly disembarkation.”
Aisle Rushing Now Has Consequences
Globally, “aisle rushers” — passengers who leap to their feet to grab luggage the moment the wheels touch the ground — have long drawn frustration from fellow travelers and flight crews. But Türkiye’s new enforcement approach stands out, as few countries threaten monetary fines solely for post-landing infractions.
The new rules also encourage order in disembarkation, instructing passengers to allow those in rows ahead to exit first — a common courtesy now given regulatory backing.
While no immediate reports of fines or enforcement actions have surfaced, the rules apply to all flights landing in Türkiye, a major global tourist destination that sees millions of visitors annually.
The Associated Press has reached out to Turkish Airlines and low-cost carrier Pegasus Airlines for comment.
International Perspective on In-Flight Compliance
Other nations also require passengers to comply with safety protocols, but enforcement varies. In the United States, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules mandate that seat belts remain fastened during taxiing, takeoff, and landing, as well as any time crew members instruct it.
While FAA penalties for non-compliance can be severe — up to $37,000 per incident — enforcement generally targets cases involving additional disruptive behavior. A 2021 case saw a passenger fined $14,000 for unbuckling her seat belt during taxiing and refusing to wear a mask correctly.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a spike in unruly passenger incidents, prompting the FAA to adopt a “zero-tolerance” policy that remains in place. Airlines and regulators have stressed the ongoing importance of staying seated until a plane has come to a full stop, warning that premature movement can lead to falls and injuries, especially during unexpected turbulence or abrupt stops.
Safety First, Stay Seated
Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, underscored the importance of following in-flight safety rules.
“When a plane is on an active runway, standing up puts everyone at risk,” Nelson said. “Listen to your flight attendants and follow their instructions. It’s the safest — and quickest — way to reach your destination.”
With Türkiye taking a firmer stance on post-landing behavior, the message is clear: patience is not only polite — it’s now legally required.
