Fasten your seatbelts – sooner!

Southwest Airlines said it would suspend cabin service – including the provision of snacks and drinks – earlier on its flights to protect passengers and crew from possible injuries caused by turbulence.

Starting Wednesday, passengers will be required to fasten their seatbelts and ensure their seatbacks and trays are in the fully upright position when descending to an altitude of 18,000 feet – instead of the previously required 10,000 feet.

According to USA Today, the elevation gain accounts for about 10 minutes of flight time.

“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 robust safety management approach,” Southwest told the outlet.

“Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees.”

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, more than a third of all U.S. airline incidents between 2009 and 2018 were due to turbulence.

Although fatalities are rare, one man died and 30 others were injured when severe turbulence occurred on a Singapore Airlines flight in May.

This isn’t the only change for the airline.

Starting next year, Southwest will end its longstanding practice of “open seating,” which allows passengers to select their seats after boarding.

With post wires