### Southwest Airlines to Modify In-Flight Service Procedures for Enhanced Safety

Southwest Airlines has announced a significant change in its in-flight service procedure aimed at ensuring passenger and crew safety. Starting December 4, the airline will begin preparing its cabin for landing at 18,000 feet (5,486 meters), up from the current 10,000 feet (3,048 meters).

According to a company spokesperson, this updated protocol is intended to "reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries" for everyone on board. This adjustment means that passengers must adhere to pre-landing directives—like fastening their seatbelts and adjusting their seats to the upright position—earlier in the flight.

Turbulence is a critical safety concern in aviation. Data from the National Transportation Safety Board indicate that between 2009 and 2018, more than one-third of all airline incidents in the U.S. were related to turbulence. Although these incidents rarely involve fatalities, they frequently result in serious injuries to passengers and crew.

For instance, turbulence over the Indian Ocean led to the death of a 73-year-old man aboard a Singapore Airlines flight in May. This incident highlights the potential dangers posed by unexpected severe turbulence.

Southwest Airlines is also introducing another major policy change next year by ending its long-standing "open seating" tradition, which allowed passengers to choose their seats after boarding. This shift marks the end of a unique practice that has been a part of the airline's identity for half a century.

These changes underscore Southwest Airlines' commitment to passenger and crew safety by proactively addressing in-flight risks and evolving longstanding practices.