It may well be on a wing and a prayer but new fines will be issued to combat one of the most annoying habits in travel – standing up before the seatbelt warning light goes off on the plane.

Turkiye’s General Directorate of Civil Aviation (SHGM) has issued the rules to combat passengers who stand up before an aircraft has fully reached the parking position, open the luggage lockers or resist staying in their seats despite the crew announcements.

Passengers will now be considered as “Passengers Acting Illegally” and administrative fines may be imposed on persons falling into this status.

The responsibilities of cabin crews have also been strengthened to ensure passengers comply with the rules. It has now become mandatory to make a special warning announcement immediately after the farewell announcement after landing, informing passengers that they should not take off their seat belt until the warning light is off.

This practice, which aims to both increase flight safety and maintain cabin discipline, become effective on approval by the the General Directorate on May 2.