In a decision to promote safety and civility among travellers, Turkey’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is putting its foot down on a persistent inflight nuisance: passengers standing up and gathering their belongings before the aircraft has fully parked and the seatbelt sign has switched off.
The scenario is all too familiar: as soon as the aircraft touches down, the sound of seat belts unbuckling fills the cabin, followed by a rush of passengers eager to get their hand luggage and leave the plane.
This often leads to disarray and frustration for those abiding by the safety procedures.
Under the new regulations, violators can face fines of up to 2,603 Turkish lira, roughly R1 185.
This initiative aims to enhance safety protocols aboard commercial flights and elevate the standards of travel etiquette.
“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 aviation authority noted.
“This behaviour compromises the safety of passengers and baggage, disregards the satisfaction and exit priority of other travellers,” it said.
Under the revised directive issued by Kemal Yüksek, chief of the DGCA, airlines operating within Turkey are now mandated to make in-flight announcements instructing passengers to remain seated, keep their seatbelts fastened, and refrain from accessing their luggage until it is appropriate to do so.
Passengers are also reminded to wait for those in front of them to exit first, instead of rushing forward.
Passengers are warned that any non-compliance could lead to reports being filed against them, resulting in a fine.
Tips to help you be on your best behaviour when flying for your next trip.
Luggage
When entering the flight, be sure to carry your bag in front of you and low to the ground as you walk down the aisle in search of your seat. This is to make sure that you don’t knock other passengers when walking down the aisle.
Also, avoid hogging the aisle when putting your bag in the overhead compartment to store it for the flight.
You should take care when retrieving luggage from the overhead compartment. Exercise patience and make sure that you are also swift in your actions.
Be sensitive to your seatmate
When getting seated, try to acknowledge the person seated next to you with a greeting as you’re starting off, and then you can read the other person to see whether they want to talk or not.
Most people want some peace, so if a person doesn’t want to engage, let them be. If the other person is chatty, politely excuse yourself.
Keep your chair upright
Space on aircraft is limited, so don’t lean your chair back as the flight takes off. If you do decide to recline your chair when you can, make sure that it is allowed and do it slowly.
Otherwise, you risk bumping the head of the unsuspecting passenger behind you who is getting something from the bag at their feet, or you could knock over the drink on their tray.
Remember to return the seat to the upright position during the meal and drink servings, or if possible, wait until food and beverages are finished being served and cleaned up.
Watch your alcohol consumption
When you get on a flight, you are tempted to relax and kick back with a few drinks, but make sure to avoid getting drunk during or before the flight.
You may be having the time of your life, but your fellow passengers may not think so (some airlines don’t allow any passengers on board suspected of being over the limit on alcohol consumption).
Keep an eye on any children you’re travelling with
When travelling with children, try to make sure that you are observant. Children tend to bump, kick or yank the seat in front of them without realising it throughout the flight, which can make the person in front of them very uncomfortable.
It is difficult enough to control some children on a long flight, but it is even more difficult to deal with an angry passenger in front of you.
Try to make sure that you have snacks and activities lined up to keep the young ones entertained.
Disembark calmly
When disembarking, follow the lead from your cabin crew on how to disembark. Be courteous of other people’s belongings in the overhead compartment as you reach for your own, and offer to help them get their bags if you can.
And as you leave, take the time to thank your flight attendants, they will appreciate your kindness.
