Southwest Airlines Adjusts Landing Procedures to Enhance Crew Safety
Southwest Airlines will introduce changes to its landing procedures starting in December 2024 in a bid to reduce injuries among cabin crew members during turbulence. According to an internal memo, crew members will now be required to secure the cabin 8,000 feet earlier than usual, with the new procedures set to take effect on December 4, 2024.
The memo, initially reported by View From The Wing, explains that pilots will signal the start of sterile flight deck procedures at 18,000 feet with a high-low chime. This chime will serve as a cue for flight attendants to begin securing the cabin for landing and to prepare for seating in their jump seats. Previously, cabin crew members were instructed to secure the cabin at 10,000 feet, which has now been moved to a lower altitude for increased safety.
Southwest Airlines stated that these changes reflect the airline’s “unwavering commitment to safety and well-being” of its flight attendants. The airline emphasized that the decision was based on “years of research” and reports from staff through its Safety Management System (SMS). Analysis of extensive data, including flight attendant and pilot reports and information from the Flight Data Analysis Program (FDAP), revealed that the earlier seating of flight attendants could reduce injuries by at least 20%.
In addition, Southwest indicated that if this change does not sufficiently address the issue of crew injuries, the airline will explore alternative solutions to further enhance safety. The airline’s proactive approach comes in response to a rising number of incidents involving severe turbulence, which have led to injuries and fatalities.
High-profile incidents this year have highlighted the risks of turbulence. In November 2024, a Lufthansa flight encountered “brief but severe turbulence” during a flight from Buenos Aires to Frankfurt, injuring five passengers and six crew members. Earlier in August 2024, turbulence during a meal service on an EVA Air flight to Taiwan left six crew members with minor injuries. In a more tragic incident in May 2024, a passenger died, and more than 30 others were injured after a Singapore Airlines flight hit severe turbulence while traveling between London and Singapore.
The push to adjust cabin procedures follows similar actions taken by other airlines to mitigate turbulence-related risks. For example, Korean Air has implemented an earlier end to in-flight services on medium- and long-haul flights, wrapping up service 40 minutes prior to landing—20 minutes earlier than previously scheduled. This adjustment is designed to minimize the potential for turbulence during the descent, thus reducing the risk of injury to both passengers and crew.
Southwest Airlines’ new landing procedures reflect the airline’s ongoing efforts to improve safety for its cabin crew while responding to growing concerns over the impact of turbulence. By adjusting the timing for securing the cabin, the airline hopes to make significant strides in reducing injury risks for its flight attendants during critical phases of flight.
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