Stand Up Too Soon After Landing in Turkey? That’ll Cost You

If you’re flying into Turkey, don’t even think about unbuckling your seatbelt or lunging for the overhead bin until the seatbelt sign goes off—unless you’re ready to pay for it.

Turkish aviation authorities have introduced a new regulation that fines passengers for standing up too early after landing. The move comes in response to a “serious increase” in post-landing chaos, according to the country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The penalty? A fine of up to $70, or about £50, for failing to remain seated with your belt fastened until the aircraft is fully parked.

Why this rule? Safety—and sanity

The decision to enforce fines follows a wave of passenger complaints. Turkish regulators said travelers have grown increasingly frustrated by others jumping up before the plane has reached the gate—often blocking aisles, crowding the cabin, and scrambling for their carry-ons while the aircraft is still moving. Not only does this create disorder, it poses a real safety risk during the taxi phase, when sudden braking or sharp turns can cause injuries.

Photo: Courtesy of Kenny Eliason / Unsplash

The aviation authority said, “There has been a serious increase in such incidents,” and emphasized that the behavior puts passengers, cabin crew, and ground operations at risk.

How it works: announcements, reports, and fines

Under the new rules, which went into effect earlier this month, all commercial airlines operating in Turkey must:

• Issue updated in-flight announcements clearly stating that passengers must remain seated with seatbelts fastened until the aircraft reaches its final parking position and the seatbelt sign is turned off.
• Explicitly warn passengers that standing up early or opening overhead lockers before parking is prohibited.
• Report violators to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation using a Disruptive Passenger Report, which triggers the fine.

Photo: Courtesy of Denver International Airport

Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier, has already released its updated landing announcement. According to Euronews, the onboard message now includes: “Passengers who do not comply with the rules will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report, and an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations.”

What exactly can get you fined?

Passengers may face penalties for specific actions while the aircraft is still taxiing, including standing up too soon, unfastening seatbelts before the sign is turned off, opening overhead compartments, and blocking the aisles or attempting to exit before instructed.

There is no mention of jail time or removal from the flight, but the fine will be filed as an administrative violation and linked to the offending traveler.

Growing passenger volumes

Turkey remains one of the world’s most visited countries, welcoming tens of millions of tourists annually.

As air traffic returns to pre-pandemic levels and cabin space becomes more competitive, regulators are hoping the new rule will reinforce in-flight discipline and reduce delays or mishaps during the final minutes of flight.

Photo: Capacocia, Turkey. Courtesy of Daniela Cuevas / Unsplash

While the fine may seem small, Turkish officials say the goal isn’t revenue—it’s respect for safety protocol and fellow travelers.

A new norm for in-flight etiquette?

The regulation puts Turkey among a small group of countries actively penalizing post-landing behavior. Whether others will follow remains to be seen.

For now, passengers bound for Istanbul, Antalya, or Cappadocia are on notice: stay buckled and stay seated—or be prepared to pay.