Southwest Airlines implements earlier landing preparations to enhance safety
- Southwest Airlines is changing its cabin service procedures to enhance passenger safety during landing.
- The new protocol will conclude in-flight service at 18,000 feet, resulting in earlier preparations for landing.
- This initiative aims to reduce the risks associated with turbulence, reflecting a growing concern in the airline industry.
On December 4, 2024, Southwest Airlines will introduce changes to its landing protocol as part of an effort to improve passenger safety during flights. The new procedure involves ending in-flight cabin service at 18,000 feet, which will allow flight crews to begin the process of preparing the cabin for landing sooner. Passengers will be required to buckle up, raise seat backs, and stow away tray tables and electronics about 10 minutes earlier than in previous flights. This adjustment aims to reduce the risk of injury associated with turbulence during the descent phase of the flight. The decision to implement this change was reached through discussions involving Southwest's labor partners and safety teams. The airline has noted a concerning trend in turbulence-related injuries occurring during the approach and landing phase of flights, particularly during descent. According to the National Transportation Safety Board, from 2009 to 2018, over one-third of U.S. airline incidents were linked to turbulence, many resulting in severe injuries to passengers and crew members. Southwest's actions reflect an ongoing industry effort to enhance safety measures concerning turbulence, which is something that has prompted other airlines to reconsider their standard procedures as well. Notably, United Airlines previously adopted a similar measure, altering its protocol to prepare for landings at 10,000 feet instead of the previous 8,000 feet. This change underlines a broader concern and response from airlines regarding how to better protect passengers from unexpected turbulence and related injuries. Further emphasizing this initiative, the Federal Aviation Administration has a long-standing commitment to collaborating with airline operators to mitigate the risks of turbulence-related incidents. By implementing these revised protocols, Southwest Airlines hopes to significantly reduce the instances of injury during a critical phase of the flight when turbulence often occurs. Airlines understand that prioritizing passenger safety, especially during landing preparations, is essential for maintaining public trust and ensuring the overall safety and comfort of air travel.