Turkey has implemented a new regulation to fine airline passengers who prematurely unbuckle their seatbelts, stand up, or access overhead bins before the aircraft has come to a complete stop and the seatbelt sign is turned off. This measure aims to enhance safety and ensure a more orderly disembarkation process, addressing growing concerns over passenger behavior during taxiing.
New Rules for Air Travelers in Turkey
Turkish aviation authorities have introduced strict new rules targeting impatient airline passengers. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that travelers must remain seated with seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has reached its final parking position and the seatbelt sign is extinguished. This directive comes in response to numerous complaints and observations of passengers rushing to deplane, which poses safety risks and disrupts the disembarkation flow.
Why the Change?
The new regulation was prompted by a significant increase in incidents where passengers unbuckle, stand, or open overhead compartments prematurely. This behavior, often seen as a common travel annoyance, has been identified as a safety hazard. The DGCA stated that such actions compromise passenger and baggage safety, and disregard the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers.
Key Takeaways
- Passengers are now subject to administrative fines for unbuckling seatbelts, standing, or opening overhead bins before the plane fully stops and the seatbelt sign is off.
- Airlines operating in Turkey are required to update their in-flight announcements to inform passengers of these new rules and potential penalties.
- The exact fine amount has not been officially confirmed by the DGCA, but Turkish media reports suggest it could be around $70.
- The regulation aims to improve overall flight safety and ensure a more organized and efficient deplaning process for everyone.
Impact on Airlines and Passengers
Commercial airlines, including Turkish Airlines, are now required to classify passengers who violate these rules as "Passengers Acting Against Rules." Cabin crews will make special announcements post-landing, reminding passengers to remain seated. While the primary goal is safety, the new rules also seek to alleviate the frustration caused by "aisle rushers" who impede the orderly flow of disembarkation. This move by Turkey has garnered international attention, as few countries impose financial penalties for such post-landing behavior.
Enforcement and Future Outlook
The new regulations came into effect earlier in May. While there haven’t been widespread reports of fines being issued immediately, the directive clearly outlines that violations will be recorded and reported to the aviation authority. This proactive measure by Turkey underscores a growing global emphasis on passenger conduct and safety protocols within the aviation industry.
Sources
- Turkey to Fine Passengers for Unbuckling Seatbelts or Standing Early on Flights, Baller Alert.
- Türkiye to fine air travellers who unbuckle before full stop, PAXnews.com.
- Türkiye to impose fines on airline passengers who unbuckle before plane stops, Türkiye Today.
- Passengers rushing off flights on landing to be fined £50 in Turkey, Yahoo News Canada.
- This Country Fines Impatient Airplane Passengers For Standing Up Too Early, NDTV.
