Southwest Airlines Rolling Out Major Change to Cabin Service

Southwest Airlines is introducing a bevy of changes in the coming months, with the most significant being the elimination of its longstanding open seating policy in 2026. Starting tomorrow, however, every Southwest flight is going to operate a little differently. 

Starting Dec. 4, flight attendants will be wrapping up in-flight snack and drink service earlier and begin preparing the cabin for landing at an altitude of 18,000 feet, rather than the traditional 10,000. As a result, customers will have to put up their tray tables and return their seats to an upright position earlier than before.

The move, the company said, is to keep both passengers and crew members safe from any unexpected turbulence on the descent into their destination. 

"The change in procedures is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for our crew members and customers. It is the result of the airline’s close collaboration with its labor partners and a robust approach to safety management," the airline said in a statement to USA Today. "Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees."

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Turbulence can be a scary experience for many flyers, and it can also be quite dangerous for passengers who aren't seated with their seat belts fastened. Earlier this year, for example, a man aboard a Singapore Airlines flight died after severe turbulence inflicted fatal injuries. 

Southwest's new in-flight landing procedure is hoped to reduce the risk of any turbulence-related injuries in the future. For your part, just make sure your seat belt is fastened even when the sign is off.