Southwest is suspending cabin service early due to possible in-flight turbulence

Southwest passengers may notice a change on their flights starting next week.

The airline confirmed to Scripps News that it will implement new procedures for cabin service starting December 4 to increase safety for flight attendants and passengers.

According to the updated guidelines, flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet. This process was previously started at an altitude of 10,000 feet. The aim of the change is to reduce the risk of injury from turbulence during flight.

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Southwest said the adjustment was “the result of the airline’s close collaboration with its Labor partners and a robust approach to safety management.”

The airliner is not the first company to make this change. In July, Korean Air announced it would suspend cabin service 40 minutes before landing to avoid the risk of injury during turbulence.

Before July, Korean Air stopped cabin service 20 minutes before landing.

The airline noted that turbulence has been an “ongoing and growing problem” in recent years.

Even though airplanes are built to withstand turbulence, it can still be an unpleasant experience for passengers. It can also be dangerous for flight attendants or passengers who are not wearing seatbelts.

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