7.11.26 – Earlier Descent Procedures Are About One Thing: Safety

One Month Later: Earlier Descent Procedures Are About One Thing: Safety

Saturday, July 11, 2026

One month has passed since the implementation of the revised descent procedures, and we wanted to take a moment to revisit why these changes were made and why they remain so important.

These procedures were not created simply to change the way we work. They were developed in response to years of data collected through our jointly managed safety programs, including Cabin ASAP, Cabin LOSA, and Flight LOSA. That data consistently showed that turbulence is encountered most often during the descent phase of flight, and that descent is also where Flight Attendants experience the greatest number of turbulence-related injuries.

The changes introduced on June 3rd (click here for hotline) were designed with one objective in mind: reducing exposure to turbulence-related injuries.

By beginning cabin preparations earlier, improving communication between the flight deck and cabin crew, and encouraging flight attendants to be seated as soon as required duties are complete, these procedures provide an additional layer of protection during one of the highest-risk phases of flight.

Once your required prepare for landing duties are complete, proceed directly to your assigned jumpseat.  

The goal is to already be seated well before the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet. The sterile flight deck chime should no longer be viewed as the signal to begin moving towards your assigned jumpseat. For more information about these changes, review 2.7.2 Prior to Decent in your IFM.

Avoiding preventable injuries should be everyone’s goal! 

As a reminder, if turbulence or limited cruise time prevents the completion of a required service, communicate with the flight deck, make the appropriate passenger announcements, and document the event through CERS as outlined in the IFM.

Safety has always been a shared responsibility between the flight deck and flight attendants. These revised procedures reflect what our own safety reporting systems have been telling us for years and represent another step toward reducing preventable injuries.

If you have any questions regarding the revised descent procedures, please reach out to [email protected].

In Solidarity,

Andrew Rhinehart
APFA National Safety & Security Chair