Southwest Flight Attendants To Arrive Early Due to Carry-On Bag Congestion
Southwest Airlines is implementing a new boarding procedure for its domestic flights operated by Boeing 737-800 and 737 MAX 8 aircraft, effective August 1. Flight attendants will now arrive five minutes earlier than previously scheduled to account for the increased time it takes passengers to stow carry-on luggage.
The change affects approximately 63% of Southwest's fleet, which consists of 309 737 MAXs, 294 737-700s, and 196 737-800s. According to a statement from TWU Local 556, the union representing Southwest's flight attendants, crew arrivals will shift from 30 minutes before departure to 35 minutes.
The airline's decision comes after introducing checked baggage fees for most customers in an effort to reduce congestion and increase efficiency. As more passengers bring carry-on luggage on board, it takes longer for them to find available space, slowing down the boarding process and delaying the closure of cabin doors.