Almost five million Brits are slated to flock to this stunning European country this year, which has recently threatened holiday makers with hefty £50 fines before they’ve even got off the plane
Sun-worshipping Brits have been threatened with a hefty fine for breaking a strict new rule – before they’ve even embarked.
There’s no greater feeling than stepping off the plane and feeling the warm air hit your face. It’s an experience almost five million UK holidaymakers will experience this year, as Turkey (Türkiye) prepares for record-breaking levels of tourism.
However, the country is clamping down on inpatient passengers who are too eager for their own good. The brutal warning comes as the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announces it will start introducing penalties for those who unfasten their seatbelt and stand up before the plane has fully come to a stop.
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“According to the regulation, airlines are obliged to remind passengers to fasten their seatbelts during and after landing until they reach the parking position and to explicitly point out that any infringement will be reported to the aviation authority, and a fine will be imposed,” the CAA said, according to Euronews. Now, passengers reaching for their overhead luggage before the seatbelt light has switched off will now be fined €62 (approx. £50).
Turkish Airlines – the country’s flagship airline – has reportedly already updated its landing announcement to make tourists aware of the penalty. It states rule-breakers will be reported to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation through a Disruptive Passenger Report. Then, an ‘administrative fine’ will be imposed in accordance with ‘applicable legal regulations’.
It has yet to be confirmed whether other airlines will introduce similar warnings for flights touching down in the country. Either way, it’s worth sitting patiently until you know it’s safe to take your seatbelt off.
The news sparked fierce debate online, with many holidaymakers arguing the rule will worsen delays and make disembarking even longer. “There are umpteen reasons why I have been put off flying – for good,” one person said. “This is just another one of them.”
Another agreed, writing: “For goodness sake, I just want to stretch my legs, is that a crime?” while a third added: “I suspect airlines will start charging us to board first and leave first, just like they do with everything else.”
However, others seemed in favour of the new rules – with some social media commentators even suggesting the fine should be higher. “What’s the point of rushing off the plane?” one person asked. “So you can wait for longer at the baggage carousel?”
Another wrote: “I’ve never understood why people do that. You always have caught up to them at baggage claim, so why push to be the first off?” while a third branded the fine a ‘good idea’.
The Mirror has approached Turkish Airlines for comment.
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