Camilla Jessen
Impulsive flyers could now face penalties.
If you’re one of those passengers who can’t wait to stand the moment a plane touches down, consider yourself officially warned.
At least if you’re flying in Turkey.
Turkey’s aviation authority has had enough of the so-called “aisle rushers,” and is introducing real consequences for a habit many travelers love to hate.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), led by Kemal Yüksek, has issued new orders to cabin crews: passengers who jump out of their seats too early or push past others to disembark ahead of their turn can now be fined.
This was reported by Newsner.
$67 Fine for Standing Too Early
According to the directive, passengers who ignore safety protocols — like unbuckling too soon, opening overhead bins prematurely, or barging down the aisle before it’s their row’s turn — can be reported and fined under Turkey’s aviation laws.
The fine is up to 2,603 Turkish lira, or about $67 USD.
Yüksek emphasized that the move aims to restore order and protect passenger safety, stating that rushing the aisle disrupts disembarkation and can lead to unnecessary risks during the most sensitive part of a flight — the landing and taxiing phase.
What Not to Do
The crackdown covers several common infractions, including:
- Standing before the plane comes to a complete stop
- Unbuckling seatbelts too early
- Opening overhead bins before being cleared to do so
- Cutting the line instead of waiting for your row
Turkey is believed to be the first country enforcing such fines in a formal way, and other countries could be watching.
So if you’re flying to or through Turkey soon, keep your seatbelt fastened and wait your turn.
That extra minute or two of patience could save you money.