If you’re a frequent flyer with Southwest Airlines, prepare for some changes in your in-flight routine. The airline has decided to modify its cabin service, starting next month, to enhance safety conditions for both passengers and crew members. The changes are primarily being made to reduce the risks associated with in-flight turbulence.
A Shift in Cabin Service
Starting from December 4, Southwest Airlines flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet (5,486 meters) instead of the usual 10,000 feet (3,048 meters). This adjustment in their protocol aims to mitigate the potential injuries that turbulence can cause.
What does this mean for passengers? You’ll have to buckle up and set your seats upright a little earlier than before. This step is part of the standard pre-landing procedures that ensure passenger safety during descent.
Turbulence-Related Injuries: A Persistent Concern
While fatalities due to turbulence are relatively rare, injuries are a more common occurrence. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, turbulence-related incidents made up more than a third of all airline incidents in the United States from 2009 through 2018. Most of these incidents resulted in at least one serious injury but did not cause any damage to the plane.
Just this year, a 73-year old man tragically lost his life on a Singapore Airlines flight due to severe turbulence over the Indian Ocean. This incident underscores the importance of the precautions Southwest Airlines is implementing.
Other Changes Ahead for Southwest Airlines
The airline is not stopping at altering cabin service. Come next year, Southwest is planning to overhaul a tradition that’s been in place for half a century. The “open seating” policy — which allowed passengers to choose their own seats after boarding the flight — will be discarded.
- Changes to expect:
- Earlier cabin service for landing preparation
- Earlier pre-landing procedures for passengers
- Abolishment of the “open seating” policy
These changes reflect Southwest Airlines’ ongoing commitment to providing a safe and comfortable journey for its passengers. As we navigate the ever-evolving world of aviation, we can expect more airlines to adopt similar measures to enhance in-flight safety.
