Southwest Airlines likes to proclaim that snacks are free onboard their flights, along with softdrinks. However, as Southwest adjusts in-flight service rules, fewer flights may see these freebies, all in the name of safety. But, is it really about safety?
As we all know, Southwest is going through some things right now. Whether this latest bit of news is related to that, it’s hard to say. That said, it wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility for the two to be related, as the cynic in me says that Southwest adjusts in-flight service rules is more about potential savings than safety, as the airline says it is. Mind you; I’m a Southwest fan, so it’s not like trying to make a dig at the airline out of spite.
Southwest Adjusts In-Flight Service Rules
As noted around the interwebs, safety is the claimed reason why Southwest adjusts in-flight service rules. Specifically, they’re going to end service when an aircraft descends to 18,000 feet versus 10,000 feet, which is the standard practice today. The airline claims that by ending service 8,000 feet earlier, they’ll reduce flight attendant injuries by at least 20%. This, they say, is because the last 18,000 feet of a flight is subject to more turbulence and was the criteria set by the Inflight Safety and the TWU 556 Health and Safety Committee after reviewing “thousands of data points.”
Unfortunately, this rule doesn’t only end beverage service earlier; it also means that you have to stow required items and return your seat to the upright and locked position earlier.
Of course, while the airline says this change is to improve crew safety, it’s hard to ignore the fact that this will have a very real impact on shorter flights. And, since Southwest Airlines operates tons of flights that last under an hour, this could translate into service cuts and, potentially, a bit of savings for the airline.
Hawai’i Example
Using Hawai’i as an example of what could happen as Southwest adjusts in-flight service rules is good but complicated. You see, all of Southwest’s within the islands are under an hour. However, the airline also has special rules specifically for us. You see, Southwest typically only offers snacks and drinks for purchase on flights over 176 miles but provides undefined exemptions for inter-island flights. For what it’s worth, the main routes within the islands are as such:
- HNL-LIH: 102 miles
- HNL-OGG:100 miles
- HNL-KOA: 163 miles
- HNL-ITO: 216 miles
- OGG-LIH: 201 miles
- OGG-KOA: 84 miles
- KOA-LIH: 263 miles
Southwest doesn’t operate KOA-LIH – only Hawaiian does – so its longest route is HNL-ITO (Hilo). On these flights, service will typically begin around five minutes after the takeoff roll begins, which is roughly when the aircraft passes through 10,000 feet. However, the maximum altitude achieved during these flights is typically in the low- to mid-20,000-foot range. And the aircraft spends mere minutes at these altitudes before they begin to descend again. That means, on Honolulu to Hilo flights, you have about 15 minutes from the time you hit 10,000 feet to when you descend back down to 18,000 feet again. Add approximately five more minutes to get back down to 10,000 feet again.
For what it’s worth, Southwest (at least when I’ve flown with them), doesn’t offer service of any kind on HNL-OGG flights. These flights never reach 18,000 feet, and usually spend just 10 minutes (if that) above 10,000 feet. Maui is also known for having particularly bumpy arrivals and departures, thanks to the wind tunnel effect created by Haleakalā and Mauna Kahālāwai, so that may influence that decision here, too.
Nevertheless, as Southwest adjusts in-flight service rules, the service window on its longest intra-Hawai’i flights gets close to what we see with HNL-OGG, making one wonder if they’d still be able to offer service on these flights. I guess only time will tell. But we won’t have to wait long, as these new rules go into effect on December 4, 2024.
Southwest Adjusts In-Flight Service Rules, Final Thoughts
While any cuts sucks, this is one that really doesn’t impact me. The one or two times I did partake in Southwest’s in-flight service, the water or juice was warm. Ew. No thanks. Plus, I carry my own vacuum flask filled with ice water. Moreover, I have no status, so it’s not like I get free adult beverages, either. I just hope they continue to provide snacks, as I think Southwest’s snack mix is pretty good!
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