The change is part of an effort to prevent turbulence-related injuries.
to its "prepare for landing" protocol, ending its in-flight cabin service earlier than ever in an effort to reduce possible risk of injury.
Starting Dec. 4, Southwest flight attendant crews will wrap up in-flight service at 18,000 feet to begin preparing the cabin for landing sooner, a spokesperson for the Dallas-based carrier confirmed to ABC News.Joni/Adobe On Southwest flights, the process of passengers buckling up, raising their seat backs, and putting away tray tables and electronics will begin about 10 minutes earlier than previous flights when cabin service concludes at 10,000 feet.American Airlines rolls out new technology to crack down on boarding zonesNational Transportation Safety Board
, more than one-third of all U.S. airline incidents between 2009 and 2018 were related to turbulence, most of which resulted in one or more serious injuries.Southwest is not the first airline to adjust this timing. United Airlines previously made a similar change to prepare for landings at 10,000 feet instead of 8,000 feet, the carrier confirmed to ABC News.
The Federal Aviation Administration also told ABC News that it has a long history of working with operators to prevent turbulence injuries.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Southwest Airlines names Rakesh Gangwal as new board chairRakesh Gangwal is Southwest Airlines' new board chair, effective immediately.
Read more »
Southwest Airlines offering buyouts amid aircraft delivery woesSouthwest Airlines will offer buyouts to workers at 18 airports across the country as the Dallas-based carrier cuts back on flying planes due to “aircraft...
Read more »
Southwest Airlines flight from San Jose to Burbank returns to make emergency landing back at SJCA Southwest Airlines flight from San Jose to Burbank was forced to return to San Jose and make an emergency landing after developing engine trouble just minutes into the flight, authorities said.
Read more »
Southwest Airlines CEO denied activist investor forced unwanted changesFresh off of fending of an activist investor and calls for his job, Southwest Airlines CEO Bob Jordan denied that hedge fund Elliott Investment Management...
Read more »
Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to Reno makes emergency landing in SacramentoA Southwest Airlines flight from Oakland to Reno was forced to make an emergency landing in Sacramento Wednesday evening, the second such incident involving a Southwest flight from the Bay Area in as many days.
Read more »
Southwest Airlines flight to Houston evacuated after cell phone fire, 2 injuredA Southwest Airlines flight to Houston was evacuated after a cellphone caught fire while the plane was still at the gate in Denver.
Read more »