5.29.26 – Earlier Descent Procedures Beginning June 3rd

Earlier Descent Procedures Beginning June 3rd

Friday, May 29, 2026

This week, Inflight management announced that it will implement revised descent procedures intended to reduce turbulence-related injuries and improve communication between the flight deck and cabin crew.

While the cabin preparation tasks themselves are not changing, many of those tasks will now begin earlier during descent. The changes include mandatory communication between the flight deck and FA1/Purser prior to descent, a required “Before Descent” PA, and revised expectations regarding when flight attendants should complete cabin preparation and take their jumpseats.

Why Are These Changes Being Made?

These changes were primarily driven by data collected through jointly managed safety programs, Cabin ASAP and Cabin LOSA, as well as Flight LOSA.

Notably, data from both the LOSA programs showed:

• How often turbulence is encountered – Some level of turbulence occurs on more than 70% of flights.
• Where turbulence occurs – Turbulence is encountered most frequently in the descent phase of flight, and that’s also where most injuries occur.
• The length of compliance checks – Compliance checks aren’t always quick, and doing them at lower altitudes creates unnecessary risk.
• The need for improved communication – Receiving up-to-date turbulence information from the flight deck is critical to keeping flight attendants safe.

Taken together, these findings identified an opportunity to reduce flight attendant exposure to turbulence during descent while improving coordination between the flight deck and cabin crew.

What Is Changing?

Prior to Descent

• The Captain or First Officer will contact the FA1/Purser before descent.
• The discussion may include anticipated turbulence, Cabin Discrepancy Worksheet (CDW) items, and other operational or safety-related information.
• Following the discussion, the flight deck will deliver the mandatory “Before Descent” PA.

By 18,000 Feet

• Flight attendants should begin securing the cabin for arrival.
• Final compliance and safety checks should be completed.
• Flight attendants should take their jumpseats once their duties are complete and should not delay seating while waiting for the sterile flight deck chime.

At 10,000 Feet

• The flight deck will initiate the sterile flight deck chime.
• Flight attendants must immediately take their jumpseats if they are not already seated.

Short-Haul Flights 250-300 Miles

The company has indicated that there will be no changes to service requirements on flights slightly above the 0-250-mile range. City pairings like CLT-RIC, PHX-LAS, and PHL-BOS, for example, that are 250-300 miles in distance will see less time during cruise to complete the required services following the changes to descent procedures.

With these changes in mind, continue to follow procedures outlined in the Onboard Service Manual along with guidance from the captain regarding flight conditions as they pertain to service. Safety comes first, and your safety and the safety of our passengers is what drove these changes. If turbulence or cruise time prevents you from completing the required beverage service, communicate with the flight deck, make appropriate announcements, and document accordingly with a CERS report.

Why Does This Matter?

Turbulence remains one of the leading causes of occupational injuries for flight attendants. Unlike passengers, flight attendants are frequently standing, walking, conducting service, or completing compliance duties when turbulence occurs.

The revised procedures are intended to provide additional time to prepare the cabin, improve communication regarding anticipated conditions, and reduce the time flight attendants are exposed to turbulence while performing required duties during descent.

The Inflight Manual reinforces that flight attendants should not jeopardize their personal safety during turbulent conditions and emphasizes that communication between the flight deck and cabin crew is essential to avoiding turbulence-related injuries.

If you have any questions regarding the upcoming changes, please reach out to [email protected] for further assistance.

In Solidarity,

Andrew Rhinehart
APFA National Safety & Security Chair