Passengers who unbuckle before their plane has finished taxiing will be fined under strict new guidelines introduced by one country’s aviation authority.
In a move that could catch on worldwide, Turkey’s CAA has introduced the move which also covers entering an aisle or opening overhead compartments while the plane is still moving.
The new regulations came into effect earlier this month following a number of passenger complaints and potential safety violations.
According to a story on APnews, commercial airlines operating flights in Turkey are now required to revise their standard in-flight announcements telling passengers to remain seated with seat belts fastened until the aircraft has reached a gate or other final stopping point.
Airlines now need to warn that violations of the procedure will be documented and reported, according to a circular issued by the Turkish Directorate of Civil Aviation.
The announcements are also supposed to remind passengers to let the people sitting in the rows ahead of them exit first.
Reports in Turkish media say the fines could be up to $70 although the CAA refused to confirm this.
“Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the aircraft reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off,” the directorate said.
“This behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers.”
