Fasten your seatbelts — earlier!
Southwest Airlines announced that it will end cabin service — including providing snacks and beverages —- earlier on its flights to keep flyers and crew safe from potential turbulence injuries.
Starting Wednesday, passengers will need to buckle their seatbelts and make sure their seatbacks and trays are in their full upright position when reaching 18,000 feet during descent —- instead of the previously mandated 10,000 feet.
The difference in altitude accounts for about 10 minutes of flight time, according to USA Today.
“The change in procedures is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for our crew members and customers. It is the result of the airline’s robust approach to safety management,” Southwest told the outlet.
“Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees.”
More than one-third of all US airline incidents between 2009 and 2018 were due to turbulence, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Though fatalities are rare, one man died and 30 others were injured when a Singapore Airlines flight experienced severe turbulence in May.
This is not the only change coming to the airline.
Starting next year, Southwest will end its long-standing practice of “open seating,” in which flyers can choose their seats after boarding.
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