A New Airline Rule in Turkey Could Cost You $70 for Unbuckling Too Fast
If you’ve ever landed, felt the wheels slow down, and instinctively popped your seatbelt before the seatbelt sign went dark, flying into Turkey just got more expensive. A new aviation rule now allows fines of up to about $70 for passengers who unbuckle, stand up, step into the aisle, or reach for overhead bins before the aircraft has fully stopped and the seatbelt sign has been turned off.
The regulation took effect in May 2025 and applies to commercial flights arriving in Turkey. While similar behavior has long been discouraged by flight crews worldwide, Turkey is now backing those instructions with formal penalties.
Why Turkey Decided to Crack Down
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According to Turkey’s civil aviation authority, the rule change followed a rise in passenger complaints and safety inspections that revealed a pattern of risky behavior during taxiing after landing. Passengers standing too early can lose their balance during sudden stops, luggage can fall from overhead bins, and aisles can become congested while the plane is still in motion.
Officials warned of a “serious increase” in incidents where travelers ignored seatbelt signs and crew announcements. The concern goes beyond inconvenience. Regulators pointed to genuine injury risks and frequent disputes between passengers when people rushed forward instead of exiting row by row.
Turkey welcomes tens of millions of tourists each year, which amplifies the impact of cabin behavior after landing. A small habit on one flight becomes a broader safety and order issue when repeated across hundreds of daily arrivals.
How the Rule Works in Practice
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The rule is straightforward but strict. Passengers must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has come to a complete stop at its parking position or at the jet bridge, and the seatbelt sign has been switched off. Standing, unbuckling, opening overhead bins, or entering the aisle before that point can trigger a report.
Airlines operating flights into Turkey are now required to update their landing announcements to clearly warn passengers about the rule and its consequences. Cabin crews must report passengers who ignore instructions through a disruptive passenger report, which can result in an administrative fine.
While the civil aviation authority does not specify an exact amount in its guidance, Turkish media reports that fines can reach roughly $70 USD.
Is This Really That Different From Other Countries?
The behavior itself is not new or unique to Turkey. In many countries, including the United States, passengers are already required to follow crew instructions, and serious violations can result in substantial fines or other penalties. The key difference is enforcement and visibility.
Turkey’s move formalizes post-landing compliance by pairing standard safety rules with a transparent reporting process and a financial consequence. The stated aim is to improve safety and promote a more orderly disembarkation, rather than to punish minor impatience.
If you’re flying into Turkey, the safest approach is also the simplest one. Stay seated, keep your seatbelt fastened, and wait until the sign turns off before standing or reaching for your bag. Let the rows ahead exit first. The seconds gained by standing early were never guaranteed, and now they could come with a real cost.