For safety reasons, your Southwest cabin service will end earlier

Next Southwest Airlines The flight may go a little differently.

Starting Wednesday, flight attendants will begin preparing cabins for landing at 18,000 feet instead of the current 10,000 feet.

This means in-flight cabin service will end about 10 minutes earlier than now. Seat backs will need to be raised and tray tables will also need to be pre-stacked.

“The change in procedures is designed to reduce risks.” turbulence injuries during flight For our Crew Members and Customers. This is a result of the airline’s close collaboration with its Labor partners and its robust approach to Safety Management,” Southwest said in a statement to USA TODAY. “Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the Safety of our Customers and Employees.

There have already been many incidents involving severe turbulence on airlines this year. In the video shared on social media, passengers are seen screaming and jumping in their seats in turbulent weather. Scandinavian Airlines flight earlier this month. Food and drinks were flown out Air Canada flight There was turbulence in October. Four American Airlines flight attendants He was hospitalized after a turbulent flight in August. A. United Airlines passenger That same month, he was hospitalized due to turbulence. In May, one person died and 30 people were injured due to severe turbulence. Singapore Airlines flight. Korean Airlines cabin service adjusted its policies due to turbulence concerns over the summer.

Turbulence is expected to continue to increase with climate change.

“The atmosphere is becoming increasingly turbulent; There will be more severe turbulence in the atmosphere,” said Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading. it has been said before USA TODAY.

Yes, turbulence is getting worse: What you need to know

To reduce the risk of injury from unexpected turbulence, the Federal Aviation Administration recommends that passengers follow the flight crew’s instructions and keep their seat belts fastened at all times.

“The FAA has a long history of working with operators to prevent turbulence injuries,” the FAA told USA TODAY. their website for more details.

Credit: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY

This article first appeared on USA TODAY: Southwest Airlines will end cabin service earlier on flights