In order to improve customer safety in the face of rising turbulence hazards, Southwest Airlines will terminate in-flight cabin service early.
To lessen turbulence-related injuries to passengers and crew, flight attendants will begin preparing cabins for landing at 18,000 feet this week rather than 10,000.
It might feel a little different on your next journey with Southwest Airlines, but it’s all for safety.
In an effort to reduce the hazards associated with unanticipated turbulence, flight attendants will start prepping the cabin for landing at 18,000 feet this week instead of the customary 10,000 feet.
Due to this modification, customers will have to stow tray tables, raise their seatbacks, and end in-flight service around ten minutes earlier than previously.
The change follows rigorous coordination with labor partners and a dedication to safety, according to Southwest, which is renowned for its customer-friendly standards.
In a statement, Southwest stated that “both crew members and passengers have been concerned about in-flight turbulence injuries.”
“Our continuous focus on providing a safe environment for everyone onboard is reflected in this procedural change.”
The decision comes after a year in which numerous aircraft experienced severe turbulence occurrences that resulted in fatalities and injuries.
Experts caution that climate change is predicted to make turbulence worse. According to atmospheric scientist Paul Williams, “the atmosphere is becoming more turbulent.” “In the future, passengers should anticipate more severe turbulence.”
To lower the risk of injury, passengers are encouraged to use seat belts during flights and to heed crew instructions. Small adjustments like Southwest’s could have a significant impact on assuring safer skies for passengers as turbulence increases.
