Southwest Airlines will finish serving drinks and crackers earlier for the safety of crew and passengers.

Starting Wednesday, flights will prepare for landing, thereby ending cabin service, at 18,000 feet rather than at 10,000, a time difference of 10 minutes.

“The change in procedures is designed to reduce the risk of in-flight turbulence injuries for our crew members and customers. It is the result of the airline’s … robust approach to safety management. Nothing is more important to Southwest Airlines than the safety of our customers and employees,” the airline told USA Today.

The new policy was formulated by the company and Transport Workers Union of America Local 556, which represents Southwest flight attendants. 

In an internal memo, Southwest said it expects that letting flight attendants seat themselves for landing earlier will reduce injuries by 20%, according to travel website View from the Wing.

• Brad Matthews can be reached at bmatthews@washingtontimes.com.