If you’re someone who jumps up the moment a plane lands, consider this a heads-up: Turkey is officially cracking down on this behavior. While air travel already comes with many frustrations—delays, long lines, cramped seating—few habits irritate fellow passengers more than aisle rushing. These are the travelers who leap up as soon as the plane touches down, crowding the aisle and scrambling for their bags before it’s even safe.
To address the issue, Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, under Kemal Yüksek, has implemented stricter rules. Cabin crews are now instructed to monitor passengers who ignore proper disembarkation procedures, such as standing too early or moving ahead of their row. These individuals can be reported and penalized under national aviation laws.
According to Yüksek, anyone who fails to respect the disembarkation order may face administrative fines. The move aims to restore order during landing procedures and reinforce respect for flight safety and fellow travelers. Penalties apply even if the aircraft has already touched down but hasn’t yet come to a complete stop.
The cost of breaking these new rules? A fine of up to 2,603 Turkish lira, which amounts to about $67 USD. That’s a steep price for shaving off a few minutes of waiting time.
The directive targets several specific actions: unbuckling seat belts too early, opening bins before stopping, standing up too soon, and cutting ahead in the aisle. Each act not only disrupts the cabin flow but also poses safety risks.
So next time you’re flying to or through Turkey, remain seated until it’s your turn. A little patience could save you money—and the collective scorn of your fellow passengers.
