Southwest will wrap up cabin service a little earlier in its flights, beginning Dec. 4. Flight attendants will begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet instead of 10,000 feet.
This means Southwest flyers will put their tray tables up and bring their seatbacks forward approximately 10 minutes earlier than before.
The change, said the airline, is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for crew members and customers and is the result of collaboration with its labor unions.
Scientists say that air turbulence is becoming more frequent and less predictable due to climate change. Singapore Airlines adjusted its in-flight service protocol in May following a turbulence incident that sent dozens to the hospital and resulted in one death.