Starting December 4, Southwest Airlines is making a small but noticeable adjustment to its flying experience. Cabin preparations for landing begin at 18,000 feet instead of the previous 10,000 feet. This will result in you being asked 10 minutes early to raise tray tables, lock seatbacks and store carry-on luggage. The airline made the change for safety reasons.

Southwest’s reasons for the new policy

Southwest told USA Today: “The change in procedures is intended to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence-related injuries to 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 added: “Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees.”

The new policy comes into effect after a year of turbulent incidents. In November, a video posted on social media showed passengers on a Scandinavian Airlines flight being shaken around the cabin. An incident in October involved food and drink being thrown around on an Air Canada flight. A trip on American Airlines sent four flight attendants to the hospital in August. That same month, a United Airlines passenger was hospitalized after a turbulent flight.

Turbulence is expected to increase with climate change. Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Reading, told USA Today: “The atmosphere is becoming more turbulent; There will be more turbulence in the atmosphere.”

The FAA has a list of guidelines for preventing turbulence-related injuries, including wearing seat belts at all times, following carry-on baggage restrictions, and listening to pilots and flight attendants at all times.

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