Southwest Airlines to End Cabin Service Earlier for Safety Reasons
If you’re flying with Southwest Airlines, you might notice a change in the service routine. Starting Wednesday, flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at 18,000 feet instead of the current 10,000 feet.
This adjustment means cabin service will wrap up about 10 minutes earlier than before. Passengers will also need to stow tray tables and raise seatbacks earlier during their descent.
Why the Change?
Southwest says the new policy aims to reduce the risk of injuries caused by in-flight turbulence. According to the airline, the decision was made in collaboration with labor partners and as part of a comprehensive safety management review.
“Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees,” the airline said in a statement to USA TODAY.
The Growing Concern Over Turbulence
The update comes amidst an increasing number of severe turbulence incidents across the airline industry:
- November: Video footage from a Scandinavian Airlines flight showed passengers bouncing in their seats during turbulence.
- October: Food and drinks were sent flying on an Air Canada flight that hit turbulence.
- August: Four American Airlines flight attendants were hospitalized after a turbulent flight.
- May: Severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight led to 30 injuries and one fatality.
Even Korean Air adjusted its cabin service policies this summer to address turbulence risks.
Turbulence and Climate Change
Experts warn that turbulence is becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
“The atmosphere is getting more turbulent; there will be more severe turbulence in the atmosphere,” said Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, in a previous interview with USA TODAY.
Staying Safe in the Skies
To minimize the risk of injuries caused by turbulence, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises passengers to:
- Follow crew instructions during the flight.
- Keep seat belts buckled at all times, even when the seatbelt sign is off.
Southwest’s procedural changes are part of a broader industry effort to prioritize passenger and crew safety in response to evolving challenges. While it might mean less time for onboard service, these adjustments aim to ensure a safer travel experience for everyone.
