Southwest Alters Cabin Service for Safety

Southwest Airlines is implementing a new procedure, effective December 4, where flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet, rather than the previous 10,000 feet. This change, concluded in collaboration with labor partners, aims to reduce the risk of turbulence-related injuries, which have been a significant cause of non-fatal incidents in aviation. Passengers will have to complete pre-landing protocols, such as fastening seatbelts and stowing tray tables, earlier in the flight. The decision follows reports of increasing turbulence incidents, with the National Transportation Safety Board noting that over a third of U.S. airline incidents between 2009 and 2018 were related to turbulence. This proactive measure comes after a severe turbulence event led to a passenger's death aboard a Singapore Airlines flight earlier this year. Additionally, Southwest plans to end its open seating policy next year, marking a shift in its operational strategies.