Plane pet peeves are nothing new, but one particularly maddening habit could now cost you more than a few dirty looks. Türkiye’s aviation authority has introduced an on-the-spot £53 fine for passengers who spring to their feet before the seatbelt sign goes off. That’s right: jump the gun, pay the price.
The new rule was introduced following a spike in passenger complaints and aims to curb what’s become both a safety concern and a surefire way to irritate fellow travellers. Türkiye isn’t playing: if you’re halfway down the aisle before the wheels stop rolling, you could be halfway to a fine.
The top 10 flying faux pas, ranked by rage
According to a UK survey from Tiger.co.uk, reclining your seat without warning is still public enemy number one. But premature standers have soared to the number two spot, now with legal consequences to boot.
Here’s what made the top ten list of most annoying passenger behaviours:
- Reclining your seat (14%)
Surprise! People don’t love knees to the chest. Especially on short-haul flights. Ask before you tilt. - Standing before the seatbelt sign goes off (12%)
Now officially illegal in Türkiye. Still universally infuriating. - Being unprepared at security or passport control (11%)
If you wait until the scanner to dig out your passport, you’re the main character of a very slow-moving drama. - Watching videos without headphones (9%)
Loud devices rarely win fans. Pop in headphones and keep the peace. - Standing in the aisle before the doors open (9%)
Bonus points if you block five people and drop your bag on someone’s head. - Queuing at the gate before boarding is called (8%)
The plane isn’t leaving without you. No need to crowd the gate. - Fiddling with overhead bins mid-flight (7%)
Unless you’ve stored a live animal up there, it can wait. - Clapping when the plane lands (6%)
Not illegal, but widely considered a social misdemeanor. - Asking to swap seats (6%)
Unless it’s a clear upgrade or your toddler is involved, read the room. - Talking through the safety demonstration (6%)
Because nothing says “team player” like ignoring lifesaving information.
A polite nudge
Tiger.co.uk Managing Director Ian Wilson says refreshing inflight etiquette can help everyone have a smoother, more considerate journey.
“What might seem like small and harmless habits, like reclining your seat or standing up before the seatbelt sign is off, can seriously impact the comfort and even safety of others on board,” he said.
“With Turkey’s new regulations, passengers can now also be hit with an on-the-spot fine for ignoring safety instructions… so it’s more important than ever to pay attention and follow the rules.”
He encouraged travellers to consider how small actions (like popping in headphones or being ready at security) can improve the entire airport-to-arrival experience.
Why Australian travel advisors should care
Türkiye’s rule applies locally and reflects a growing trend elsewhere. As more destinations crack down on in-flight behaviour, agents may need to update their pre-departure talking points.
If your clients are travelling through Istanbul or booking a Mediterranean stopover, a quick heads-up could save them from an awkward encounter, and a lighter wallet.
More broadly, this survey acts as a cheat sheet for avoiding on-board drama. For group, corporate or family bookings, a little pre-flight planning (or tactful etiquette reminders) could mean fewer complaints and smoother skies.
Agents can also use this moment to refresh FAQs or build in client comms that help set expectations: from boarding order to bin etiquette, it all matters when seats are tight and tempers run hotter than the tarmac.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Türkiye’s new in-flight fine reflects a broader shift toward regulating cabin conduct. For agents, it’s a timely cue to help clients fly smarter, sit tighter, and avoid inflight infractions that now come with a receipt.
