Airlines to Impose Fines on Passengers Leaving Their Seats Prematurely
Passengers in Turkey Faced with Fines for Premature Departure
As of this month, the Turkish Civil Aviation Directorate (SHGM) has implemented a regulation that imposes fines on passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts, stand up, or open overhead compartments before the plane has come to a full stop. The measure aims to curb chaos and improve the flying experience by promoting orderly disembarkation.
Turkey, a popular tourist destination, has reported an increase in disruption caused by impatient passengers who disregard the seatbelt sign, potentially leading to accidents, damaged luggage, and increased tensions among travelers. The circular applies to all airlines operating in the country with cabin crew instructed to warn and report any inappropriate behavior.
The new regulation specifies that unbuckling the seatbelt, standing up, or walking towards the aisle before the seatbelt sign has been turned off, opening the overhead compartments while the plane is still taxiing, and crowding the aisle before it's their turn to disembark by row will be sanctioned with administrative fines. The exact amount of the fine has yet to be disclosed.
While there is no available data on the frequency of such behavior in other countries, recent years have seen an increase in troublesome passengers in the United States and Europe, leading to legal proceedings, fines, and diverted flights due to disputes over face masks and other issues[1][2][3].
Travelers are encouraged to follow the crew's instructions and wait for the plane to come to a complete stop before attempting to exit or retrieve luggage. Adhering to turn-taking and showing respect towards others not only facilitates a smooth disembarkation process but also fosters a more enjoyable and peaceful flying experience.
References:1. IATA - Rising numbers of "disruptive passengers" concerns airlines2. Airlines dealing with 'incidents' caused by unruly passengers during pandemic3. AA - Passenger safety on planes a growing concern amid uptick in disruptive behavior
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Travelers visiting various States in Turkey should be mindful of the new regulations regarding in-flight conduct. Failure to comply with the seatbelt sign, orderly disembarkation, or respecting turn-taking can lead to administrative fines, aiming to improve the overall lifestyle and flying experience during travel in Turkey.
