Being a frequent flyer, there are a few things that passengers do that really annoy me. Thankfully, Turkish plane authorities are planning to fine people for a particular standing practice.
Anyone who claps when the pilot lands the plane should have their hands zip-tied together from the moment they board the plane until they reach passport control at their destination. It’s weird, annoying, and probably quite patronizing for the pilot. Unless you’re a US pilot. They seem incapable of keeping planes in the sky these days.
But, there is one more particularly annoying habit passengers have on planes, and now it may come with a fine. The civil aviation authority of Turkey has decreed that anyone who stands, unbuckles, or accesses overhead luggage before the plane has come to a standstill will be issued a fine. This couldn’t be better news for me.
Too many times, I have seen the plane aisle fill with people before the plane comes to a stop. People clambering over me to stand in the aisle, holding their luggage, like it’s about to make the door open faster. But, lo and behold, these idiots are just left standing for sometimes more than half an hour.
As the doors open, and the crowd thins even a human body’s worth, I stand and leave, having smugly enjoyed my seat the whole time. Now, though, these irritating, eager beavers will be issued a fine for being terrible plane passengers.
I Hope You Packed Your Wallet
These impatient plane passengers could be issued a fine of up to $70 for standing too early, according to local Turkish media. Airlines will be required to issue an extra warning to passengers on board. They will be informed of the risk of standing too early and the fine that comes with it. Anyone caught breaking the rule is required to be documented by airline staff.
“Despite announcements informing passengers of the rules, many are standing up before the plane reaches its parking positions and before the seat belt sign is turned off,” the aviation authority noted. “This behavior compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travelers.”
This is excellent news. I have no doubt people will still insist on standing despite the doors being closed. But, the fine associated with standing before being allowed on the plane may, hopefully, thin those moronic numbers.