Southwest Airlines is rolling out a new safety policy starting December 4. Flight attendants will now begin preparing the cabin for landing at 18,000 feet, instead of 10,000 feet. This change comes after extensive research and aims to reduce the risk of injuries by 20%.

The new procedure follows a thorough collaboration between Southwest and the flight attendant union, TWU 556. As pilots begin the descent from over 30,000 feet, they will announce the change. When the aircraft reaches 18,000 feet, a signal will indicate the start of the sterile flight deck. This signal will prompt flight attendants to begin securing the cabin for landing. By providing extra time, Southwest aims to ensure a safer environment for the crew.

This shift is part of Southwest’s continued effort to prioritize safety for both crew members and passengers. With turbulence-related injuries on the rise, this new procedure is designed to give flight attendants more time to prepare. As a result, this change will minimize the chances of injury caused by unexpected turbulence.

A recent incident on Southwest Flight 3633 further emphasized the importance of the change. During the flight, turbulence at 19,000 feet led to a passenger injury. This highlighted the need for earlier cabin preparations. Consequently, the new policy will allow flight attendants five additional minutes to secure the cabin before landing.

Southwest is making a proactive move to improve safety by giving flight attendants more time to prepare for landing. By implementing this change, Southwest aims to reduce injuries caused by turbulence and enhance safety for everyone on board.

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