Starting Wednesday, Southwest Airlines will adjust its procedures for preparing the cabin for landing. Flight attendants will now begin preparing at 18,000 feet, up from the previous 10,000 feet. This change means that in-flight cabin service will conclude about 10 minutes earlier than before. Passengers will also need to return their seatbacks to the upright position and stow tray tables sooner.
The airline explained that this adjustment is aimed at minimizing the risk of injuries due to turbulence for both crew members and passengers. The decision is the result of a close collaboration with labor partners and a comprehensive safety management strategy.
Southwest emphasized that the safety of its customers and employees remains its top priority.
There have been multiple incidents of severe turbulence across various airlines this year. Social media videos captured passengers screaming and being jolted in their seats during a turbulent flight with Scandinavian Airlines earlier this month. In October, an Air Canada flight encountered turbulence that caused food and drinks to fly through the cabin. Four flight attendants from American Airlines were hospitalized after a turbulent flight in August, and a United Airlines passenger was also hospitalized that same month due to turbulence. In May, severe turbulence on a Singapore Airlines flight led to one fatality and 30 injuries. Due to similar concerns, Korean Air made changes to its cabin service procedures over the summer.
Turbulence is anticipated to increase as a result of climate change. According to Paul Williams, a professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, the atmosphere is becoming more unstable, which will likely lead to more frequent and severe turbulence.
To minimize the risk of injury from unexpected turbulence, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises passengers to always follow the crew’s instructions and keep their seat belts fastened throughout the flight.
The FAA emphasized its longstanding efforts to collaborate with airlines to prevent turbulence-related injuries.