Turkey introduces fine for standing up too early on the plane

What’s worse than a round of applause when the plane touches down? 😜 Easy – when you're still taxiing and the person in row 17 is already halfway up, reaching for their suitcase like it's a race. Calm down, mate!

Not only is it annoying, it’s actually pretty dangerous. Planes can still brake sharply while they're moving on the tarmac, and in the event of an emergency – say, a fire – the aisles need to stay clear so everyone can evacuate quickly. No one wants to trip over a rogue suitcase when trying to leg it off the plane.

To put a stop to this, Turkey's Civil Aviation Authority has brought in a new rule, effective from early May:

▶️ Passengers are now strictly forbidden from opening overhead lockers or standing in the aisle before the aircraft has fully parked and the seatbelt sign has been switched off.

Anyone caught jumping the gun can now be reported to the authorities, who’ll then issue a fine. The exact amount hasn’t been announced yet – but we’re guessing it won’t be pocket change.

Cabin crew will now also remind everyone (again) that passengers should only stand up one row at a time, when it’s actually their turn to get off.

Turkish Airlines has already passed on these instructions to its crews, but the rule applies to all airlines landing in Turkey – so this isn’t just a one-off.

So, Pirates, next time you land in Turkey, stay put till the seatbelt sign goes off. No one likes a premature aisle stander.