Southwest Airlines is prioritizing passenger safety by adjusting its in-flight service procedures. Beginning December 4, the airline will conclude food and beverage service earlier in flights, aiming to have passengers seated and buckled up at least ten minutes before landing. The seatbelt sign will now be switched on at 18,000 feet instead of 10,000. The change comes after increasing concern over turbulence-related injuries.
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Southwest Will Have Passengers Prepare for Landing Earlier Due to Turbulence Injuries
As climate patterns shift and the weather becomes more unpredictable, we’ve seen increased reports of physical injuries to passengers and crew members due to turbulence. The trend and recent high-profile incidents have prompted airlines to re-evaluate their safety protocols.
In May 2024, a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the tragic death of one passenger and injuries to 104 others. The aircraft experienced a rapid descent of over 6,000 feet in just three minutes. And although that was an extreme case, according to a 2021 study by the National Transportation Safety Board turbulence-related incidents accounted for over a third of all aviation accidents between 2009 and 2018.
By implementing the new proactive measures, Southwest Airlines aims to minimize the risk of turbulence-related injuries. By allowing more time for passengers to secure themselves in their seats, the airline can better prepare for potential turbulence encounters.
“It is the result of the airline’s close collaboration with its Labor partners and a robust approach to Safety Management. Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees,” says Southwest in a statement to USA Today.
This change will likely not change the passenger experience. Unless you’re taking a very short flight and like to take your time sipping a coffee, the protocol will almost go unnoticed. We could see other airlines following suit in an attempt to reduce the likelihood of turbulence-related incidents.
If you are anxious about turbulence, you might want to consider where you sit on an aircraft. Research suggests the middle seat directly over the wing offers the smoothest ride. Imagine a seesaw: the closer you are to the pivot point, the less you’ll feel the up-and-down motion. An aircraft’s wing also acts as a stabilizer, minimizing the impact of air pockets on the cabin. You’ll experience a more level flight by sitting directly above this stabilizer. 