Brits seeking sun could be hit with a fine for breaking a strict and unusual new aeroplane rule. Despite enduring a blistering summer that has sparked devastating wildfires and new curfew rules in one popular resort, Turkey continues to be a favourite holiday spot for Brits.
In 2024, around 4.43 million British holidaymakers visited Turkey. This figure marks a significant surge, with a 16.6 per cent increase compared to 2023, as per Travel Gossip. Those who do venture to Turkey would do well to take note of a new law.
The country is cracking down on eager flyers who can’t keep their anticipations in check.
The Turkish Civil Aviation Authority announced it will start imposing sanctions on those who unbuckle their safety belts and stand up before the plane has fully stopped, reports MirrorOnline.
“According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority, and a fine will be imposed,” the aviation authority said.
Holidaymakers who reach for their cabin luggage before the seatbelt sign has been switched off will now face a €62 (approximately £53) penalty.
A recent crackdown on inflight behaviour caused a stir, with the new rules penalising passengers who unbuckle their seat belts prematurely or dart to the front of the plane. The SHGM (Turkish Civil Aviation Authority) explained that fines could given to those who “move to the aisle after the seat belt light goes off before the passengers in the front seats exit”, potentially leading to on-the-spot penalties.
Turkish Airlines taken swift action in light of these regulations, amending its in-flight announcement to caution passengers against early seatbelt release. In a stern warning, Turkish Airlines said offenders will face consequences, which include being reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and receiving an ‘administrative fine’ under the relevant legal provisions.
While confirmation hangs in the air as to whether other airlines will impose similarly stern warnings for Turkey-bound flights, travellers are advised to stay put until it’s unequivocally safe to remove their seatbelts.
The policy sparked heated discussions among travellers, signalling a new flashpoint in air travel etiquettes. An online commentator summed up the sentiment by saying, “There are umpteen reasons why I have been put off flying – for good,” further adding, “This is just another one of them.”
Another frustrated flyer exclaimed, “For goodness sake, I just want to stretch my legs, is that a crime?” while someone else bitterly noted, “I suspect airlines will start charging us to board first and leave first, just like they do with everything else.”