Turkey Cracks Down on Impatient Flyers: Stand Up Too Soon, Pay a Fine
Turkey Cracks Down on Impatient Flyers: Stand Up Too Soon, Pay a Fine
Holidaymakers heading to Turkey this summer might want to stay buckled up a little longer—literally. A new regulation from Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation means passengers who leap out of their seats before the plane has come to a full stop could face an on-the-spot fine of around £55.
Yes, that familiar sound of seatbelts clicking off the second the wheels touch the tarmac could now cost you. Under the updated safety rule, passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has completely stopped at the gate and the seatbelt sign is switched off. Anyone who gets up too early, whether to grab their overhead bag or just stretch their legs, is fair game for a fine.
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The rule isn’t just about discipline; it’s a safety issue. Standing up prematurely can cause injuries, especially if the aircraft stops suddenly or experiences a jolt while taxiing. The authorities have had enough of the post-landing stampede and hope the financial penalty will keep passengers in their seats until it’s time to move.
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Airlines operating in Turkey are now required to warn passengers about the rule during landing announcements, and flight crews are expected to report violations to airport officials. So far, the regulation has received a mixed reaction from travellers—some see it as overkill, while others say it’s about time people stopped treating the aisle like a racetrack.
So if you’re flying to Turkey anytime soon—whether you're bound for the sun-soaked beaches of Antalya, the magical hot air balloons of Cappadocia, the turquoise waters of Ölüdeniz, or the buzzing bazaars of Istanbul—remember: sit tight, stay buckled, and don’t make a dash for the door!
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