Southwest Airlines is set to implement changes to its cabin service procedures starting in early December 2024, impacting how passengers prepare for landing. From December 4th, passengers on Southwest flights will experience a shift in the timing of pre-landing preparations.
Redesigned seating layout inside a Southwest Airlines plane during Investor Day, highlighting cabin service updates and passenger experience enhancements.
The key adjustment involves flight attendants initiating cabin preparation for landing when the aircraft reaches 18,000 feet altitude, a change from the previous 10,000 feet. This adjustment means passengers will be asked to comply with standard pre-landing procedures earlier in the flight descent. These procedures typically include fastening seatbelts, ensuring seats are in an upright position, and stowing tray tables and electronic devices.
According to a Southwest Airlines spokesperson, this proactive change is primarily aimed at enhancing safety and minimizing the risk of injuries caused by in-flight turbulence for both passengers and crew members. While severe turbulence-related accidents are infrequent, incidents causing injuries are more common. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicates that over a third of all airline incidents in the United States between 2009 and 2018 were attributed to turbulence. These turbulence events often resulted in serious injuries, even when the aircraft itself sustained no damage. By initiating cabin preparations at a higher altitude, Southwest aims to create a safer environment within the cabin should unexpected turbulence occur during the descent phase of the flight.
This cabin service modification arrives alongside other significant operational updates from Southwest Airlines. Notably, after decades of its hallmark open boarding policy, Southwest announced plans to introduce assigned seating on flights starting in early 2026, with assigned seats becoming available for purchase in 2025. This move towards assigned seating reflects evolving customer preferences. A survey cited by the Associated Press revealed that a significant majority, around 80%, of Southwest customers prefer knowing their seat assignment prior to boarding. This shift and the cabin service changes signal Southwest’s commitment to adapting its services to improve both passenger experience and safety protocols.
Source: Information in this article is based on reports from The Associated Press and data from the National Transportation Safety Board.
