Turkey Introduces Fines for Unbuckling Before Your Plane Stops

Are you planning a trip to Turkey? Or perhaps flying with a Turkish airline? Get ready for a new rule that could hit your wallet! The Turkish aviation authorities have recently introduced a significant fine for passengers who unbuckle their seatbelts, stand up, or open overhead compartments before their aircraft has come to a complete stop at the gate.

This new regulation aims to enhance passenger safety and streamline disembarkation processes, addressing growing concerns about unruly passenger behavior on Turkish flights.

What’s the New Rule in Turkey?

Effective May 2025, the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that passengers on commercial flights operating in Turkey, including those landing in the country, must remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the aircraft has fully stopped at its parking position and the “fasten seatbelt” sign has been turned off.

The specific actions that can lead to a fine include:

• Unbuckling your seatbelt.
• Entering an aisle.
• Opening overhead compartments.

Why the New Regulation?

The DGCA states that the new measure is a direct response to a rise in passenger complaints and flight inspection findings. Many passengers have been observed standing up prematurely before the aircraft reaches its final parking spot, leading to:

• Safety Concerns: Risk of injury due to sudden braking or unexpected movements of the aircraft. This can affect both passengers and cabin crew.
• Baggage Safety: Potential for items to fall from overhead compartments, injuring passengers or damaging property.
• Disruption to Disembarkation: Impeding the smooth flow of passengers and causing delays for those with priority or connecting flights.
• Unruly Behavior: A general disregard for safety protocols and instructions from the cabin crew.

How Much is the Fine?

While the official DGCA circular doesn’t specify an exact amount, Turkish media outlets widely report that violators could face fines of up to 2,603 Turkish Lira (approximately $70 USD or €62). This amount is equivalent to a significant sum for many travelers and is intended to act as a serious deterrent.

How Will it Be Enforced?

Airlines operating in Turkey are now required to update their in-flight announcements to clearly warn passengers about the new regulation. Cabin crew will be responsible for documenting any violations. If a passenger is observed unbuckling or standing prematurely, their details will be recorded in a “Disruptive Passenger Report” and submitted to the DGCA, which will then process the fine.

Turkish Airlines has already confirmed it has updated its pre-landing announcements to reflect this new rule, ensuring passengers are fully aware of the consequences.

Is This Unique to Turkey?

While most aviation authorities worldwide (like the FAA in the US, EASA in Europe, and the UK CAA) require passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened during taxiing, takeoff, and landing, and allow for penalties for unruly or non-compliant behavior, Turkey’s approach is notably direct.

In many other countries, simply unbuckling a seatbelt before a full stop might fall under general “failure to obey crew instructions” or “disruptive passenger” rules, with fines typically applied in conjunction with more severe infractions. Turkey, however, has introduced a specific financial penalty for this particular action, making its stance quite distinct.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For anyone flying to or within Turkey, the message is clear: stay seated and buckled until the seatbelt sign is off and the aircraft has completely stopped. This new regulation emphasizes the importance of passenger safety and adherence to crew instructions. By following this simple rule, you can ensure a smoother disembarkation process and avoid an unexpected fine during your travels to or from Turkey.