Country starts punishing impatient passengers who break major 'plane etiquette' rule and people aren’t impressed

A new plane rule could see holidaymakers hit with fines for something many of us are guilty of doing.

Air travel etiquette has long proven a matter of passionate debate. Should we really be reclining our seats? What are the official rules on using the bathroom during turbulence? Whose armrest is whose?

These are all issues that fliers have been fighting over for decades now, with no one ever seemingly certain as to some of the rules when it comes to air travel.

This week, however, another controversial conversation has been kickstarted, after a European country began handing out hefty fines for people found guilty of going directly against one, largely unknown regulation.

Passengers landing into Turkey will now face severe punishments (Getty Stock Images)

Passengers flying into Turkey who are caught climbing out of their seats once the plane has landed - but before the seatbelt sign has been switched off - will now be punished for their behaviour.

The country is set to crack down on an increasing number of passengers rising prematurely in a bid to grab their stowed carry-on baggage earlier, or reserve a spot near the front of the passport queue.

According to an official statement issued by the Turkish Directorate General of Civil Aviation, financial penalties will now be issued for any individual observed by a member of cabin crew to be standing up before the plane has stopped taxiing.

The same also goes for travellers seen crowding the aisle before it's time for their row to disembark the aircraft, as per The Washington Post.

Kemal Yüksek, the Director General of Civil Aviation in Turkey, has since issued a statement on the matter, revealing that staff working on planes landing into the country must now warn passengers to 'respect the disembarkation priority of the passengers in front of or around' them.

Cabin crew members are also expected to warn travellers to disobey these rules that they'll be reported, and that 'an administrative fine will be imposed in accordance with the applicable legal regulations'.

Passengers rushing to grab their overhead luggage will face similar fines (Getty Stock Image)

The unfastening of seatbelts, standing up, the opening of overhead compartment and the crowding of aisles while the plane in still in motion will now be seen as directly disobeying said restriction, as per the new directive.

Such behaviour risks 'passenger and baggage safety and security' and ignores 'the satisfaction and exit priority' of other passengers, Yüksek explained.

How much each passenger will be fined in these instances currently remains unclear, through local broadcasting corporation Halk TV predicted around 2,603 Turkish lira - the equivalent to around $67 USD, £49 GBP.

The strict new regulations have since prompted quite the debate online, surrounding when exactly is the right time to stand up and begin disembarking the plane.

After The WP shared the news on Instagram, one traveller hit out: "It’s also just time to stretch your legs so you don't die from thrombosis but sure."

Another suggested: "I don't know why they don't let people with connecting fights deplane first."

"Omg. It's standing. After sitting for hours," a third went on.

"Just don't be rude and knock people over or grab your bag before the line gets to you. This is why it bugs others. Be polite."

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