If you’re one of those travelers who jumps up the second the airplane’s wheels touch the ground, it might be time to reconsider your approach—especially if you’re planning a trip to or through Turkey. What has long been an eye-roll-inducing habit among frequent flyers is now becoming a fineable offense in the eyes of Turkish authorities. In an effort to curb disruptive behavior and maintain order and safety on board, Turkey is officially cracking down on passengers who can’t wait their turn to exit the plane.

Anyone who flies often knows that air travel can be stressful. There are delayed flights, uncomfortable seats, and seemingly endless security lines. But there’s one specific behavior that unites travelers across borders in collective frustration: the infamous “aisle rushers.” These are the folks who, the moment the wheels hit the runway, are already on their feet, reaching for the overhead bins, and trying to push their way down the aisle. It doesn’t matter if the plane is still moving or if the seatbelt sign is still on—they’re in a hurry and don’t care who they inconvenience along the way.

Well, Turkey has had enough. The country’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, headed by Kemal Yüksek, has made it clear that this kind of behavior will no longer be tolerated. Under new aviation regulations, cabin crews have been instructed to take note of passengers who stand before the aircraft has come to a complete stop, open overhead compartments before instructed, or attempt to move down the aisle before it’s their row’s turn. These passengers can now be reported to local authorities and may face administrative fines for violating aviation conduct standards.

In a recent statement, Yüksek emphasized that passengers who do not “respect the disembarkation priority of the passengers in front of or around them” are not just being rude—they’re creating safety risks. As it turns out, that premature urge to stand up and grab your suitcase doesn’t just annoy your fellow travelers, it could actually put everyone in harm’s way. During taxiing, a sudden stop or movement could lead to falls or injuries for those who are already standing or reaching into overhead compartments. It’s a moment that should be simple and safe, yet it becomes chaotic when people act impulsively.

So what exactly does this penalty look like? According to reports from The Washington Post, violators could be fined up to 2,603 Turkish lira, which equates to roughly \$67 USD. While that might not seem like a huge amount, it’s a meaningful enough deterrent to make most passengers think twice before leaping out of their seats the moment the plane lands.

The new rules are aimed at addressing a number of specific behaviors that have become all too common during flight disembarkation. These include unbuckling your seatbelt before the aircraft has completely stopped, standing up during taxiing, opening overhead bins without permission, and rushing forward in the aisle instead of waiting for your row’s turn. All of these actions may seem minor to the offender, but collectively, they disrupt the orderliness of the cabin and pose real safety concerns.

For years, flight attendants have had to deal with passengers who refuse to follow these simple rules. While most travelers understand the importance of waiting until the seatbelt sign is turned off, there’s always a handful who act as though those rules don’t apply to them. And while airline staff have been able to issue verbal warnings, they’ve had limited power to actually penalize offenders—until now. With this new directive, Turkey is sending a clear message: follow the rules, or face the consequences.

For passengers flying into or out of Turkey, or even simply passing through the country on connecting flights, it’s important to understand and respect these new regulations. They’re not meant to punish passengers arbitrarily but to protect the safety and comfort of everyone on board. After all, when everyone follows the same process for disembarkation, the entire plane clears out more smoothly and safely. It’s a matter of courtesy and common sense.

There’s also a broader cultural implication here. In many ways, Turkey is drawing a line in the sand and taking a stand against a type of travel behavior that has long gone unchecked. While other countries may continue to tolerate the aisle-rush frenzy, Turkey is saying, “Not here.” By enforcing these rules, they are helping to shift the mindset of travelers who might otherwise see flying as a free-for-all the moment the wheels hit the ground.

The message is simple: sit tight, stay buckled, and wait your turn. Those extra 60 to 90 seconds won’t make or break your day, but they could help maintain a safer and more respectful travel experience for everyone. And if the thought of being fined isn’t enough to convince you, consider how your behavior affects those around you—especially families with small children, elderly passengers, or those with limited mobility who can’t push their way through the chaos.

So next time you find yourself reaching for your bag before the plane has even parked at the gate, take a breath. Remind yourself that you’re not saving time by standing early—you’re risking a fine and likely earning the disapproval of everyone around you. With Turkey leading the charge in penalizing premature disembarkation, we may see a ripple effect in other countries adopting similar rules. After all, respect, safety, and patience are qualities every traveler should carry—right alongside their passport and boarding pass.

Whether you’re flying for business or pleasure, the journey is smoother when everyone follows the rules. It’s not just about the law—it’s about making travel a little less frustrating and a lot more considerate. So sit back, relax, and wait for the captain’s cue. Because in Turkey, the race to the aisle could cost you more than just dirty looks. It could cost you cold, hard cash.