American Airlines is preparing cabins for landing earlier, a move meant to protect flight attendants from turbulence injuries during descent. I understand the safety concern, but I still think this is an overreaction that materially worsens the passenger experience, especially on redeye flights. However, there’s a compromise that I hope AA (and other carriers) will consider.
That means passengers will be asked to raise their seats, stow tray tables, put away laptops, secure bags, and otherwise prepare for landing earlier than before. The goal is to have flight attendants seated and strapped into their jumpseats by the time the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet.
American is not alone here. Other airlines like Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have moved in a similar direction as turbulence injuries have become a greater concern, and the logic is not hard to understand. Descent can be bumpy and low-altitude turbulence can occur with little warning. Flight attendants walking through the cabin, bending over, reaching for bags, and checking rows are more vulnerable than passengers who are seated with seat belts fastened.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
