If you’re the kind of traveler who jumps out of your seat the moment a plane touches down, it might be time to rethink that habit—especially if you’re flying to or through Turkey. What used to be just a mildly irritating behavior to fellow passengers is now drawing serious attention from aviation authorities in the country. Turkey has had enough of what many frequent flyers consider one of the most annoying in-flight behaviors: the aisle dash.

Let’s face it—flying can be a hassle. From the moment you arrive at the airport, you’re faced with long check-in lines, rigorous security procedures, and boarding queues that seem to go on forever. Then, once you’re finally in the air, there are cramped seats, limited legroom, noisy neighbors, and the never-ending wait for landing. And just when you think you’ve made it through, another challenge awaits: the mad rush to exit the plane.

Aisle rushers are a universal phenomenon. They’re the passengers who, before the plane has even come to a complete stop, are already out of their seats, digging their bags out of the overhead bins, and making a beeline for the front. This behavior has irritated countless travelers around the world. While most people wait their turn and follow the unspoken rule of disembarking row by row, aisle dashers seem to believe that the rules—and common courtesy—don’t apply to them.

Now, Turkey is taking a stand against this disruptive trend. The Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation, under the leadership of Kemal Yüksek, has issued new regulations designed to restore order during the deplaning process. Under these guidelines, passengers who fail to follow proper disembarkation protocol can now face official consequences.

According to a recent directive sent to cabin crews, any passenger who stands up before the aircraft has come to a full stop or rushes into the aisle before it’s their row’s turn can be reported to authorities. This behavior, categorized as a violation of aviation conduct, could result in administrative fines.

The regulations clearly state that passengers who do not “respect the disembarkation priority of the passengers in front of or around them” may be penalized under Turkish aviation law. And these aren’t just symbolic penalties—the fines are real and can make a noticeable dent in your travel budget.

So what’s the cost of ignoring the rules and making that hasty move to the aisle? According to The Washington Post, passengers could face a fine of up to 2,603 Turkish lira, which converts to approximately $67 USD. That’s a hefty price to pay for arriving at the terminal a minute or two earlier than your fellow passengers.

This clampdown is part of a broader effort by Turkish aviation officials to promote safe and respectful travel habits. The rules aim to curb several all-too-familiar in-flight behaviors that many passengers find frustrating. These include unbuckling seatbelts before the plane has come to a stop, standing while the plane is still taxiing, prematurely opening the overhead storage bins, and, of course, pushing forward in the aisle out of turn.

Authorities argue that these actions aren’t just discourteous—they can pose genuine safety risks. When a plane is still in motion, even if it’s just taxiing on the runway, sudden stops or turns can cause injuries to those who are standing or reaching for luggage. By moving around before the aircraft is fully secured, passengers not only put themselves at risk but also create hazards for those around them. Furthermore, such actions make it harder for flight attendants to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Airlines and cabin crew have long relied on passengers to exhibit a basic level of patience and decorum when exiting a plane. But these new measures show that authorities are no longer willing to rely solely on common sense. In a world where everyone seems to be in a rush, a formal penalty might just be the reminder some people need to behave more considerately.

It’s worth noting that Turkey isn’t the only country tightening up on in-flight behavior. Around the globe, aviation agencies are paying closer attention to how passengers conduct themselves during flights. Whether it’s dealing with unruly passengers, enforcing mask mandates during public health emergencies, or ensuring compliance with carry-on luggage limits, the days of the “anything goes” mentality on flights appear to be numbered.

That said, Turkey’s stance is one of the more specific and visible moves targeting post-landing conduct. It reflects a broader cultural shift toward more structured, regulated travel experiences—and it may prompt other countries to follow suit. After all, disorganized or chaotic deplaning processes not only frustrate travelers but also increase turnaround time for flights and complicate airport operations.

So, what does this mean for the average traveler? It means that staying seated until your row is called or until the plane is fully parked isn’t just polite anymore—it’s mandatory. The few extra moments you spend waiting could spare you from a fine and prevent you from drawing the disapproving stares of every other passenger onboard.

If you’re planning to travel to or within Turkey in the near future, take this as a reminder to remain buckled and seated until the captain turns off the seatbelt sign. There’s no trophy for being the first one to stand up or get your bag. But there might be a fine—and definitely some side-eyes—if you rush the aisle before your time.

In an era where courtesy and safety are more important than ever, Turkey’s new rules are a firm reminder that some things—like waiting your turn—still matter. So the next time your flight lands, resist the urge to leap up. Take a breath, relax, and let the passengers in front of you disembark first. Your patience won’t just be appreciated—it might just save you $67.