Singapore Airlines will cease operations when the seatbelt sign is illuminated

A few days ago, a Singapore Airlines Boeing 777-300ER encountered severe turbulence between London and Singapore, resulting in one death and dozens of serious injuries. Following this incident, the airline will update its in-flight service protocol in a way that passengers will be aware of.

Singapore Airlines cuts meal service during turbulence

Singapore Airlines will update its policy regarding the provision of in-flight service when the seatbelt sign is activated. The airline’s policy so far has been:

• While passengers had to remain seated when the seatbelt sign was illuminated, the crew continued to provide service on board. However, hot drinks were not allowed to be served when the seatbelt sign was illuminated.
• Apart from the seatbelt sign, the crew was sometimes instructed to stop their on-board service when turbulence became more severe

From now on, Singapore Airlines will take a more cautious approach and will stop meal service when the seatbelt sign is illuminated. Crew members will then return to their jump seats and fasten their seatbelts. A Singapore Airlines spokesperson said:

“In addition to suspending hot beverage service when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, food service will also be suspended. Crew members will also continue to instruct passengers to return to their seats and fasten their seatbelts. They will also keep an eye on customers who may require assistance, including those in the restrooms.”

“Pilots and cabin crew are aware of the dangers associated with turbulence. They are also trained to assist customers and ensure cabin safety throughout the flight. SIA will continue to review our processes as the safety of our passengers and crew is of utmost importance.”

My opinion on Singapore Airlines’ policy change

Singapore Airlines is clearly dealing with a tragic situation. Although severe turbulence is relatively common, given the loss of life and the fact that several people are in critical condition, this is one of the worst incidents in a long time.

It is logical that Singapore Airlines will err on the side of caution for some time and implement policies that fall into the “better safe than sorry” category. In my view, there are a few reasons why this probably doesn’t make sense in the long run or on a larger scale:

• Pilots handle the seatbelt sign very differently. Some turn it on with a single small push, others leave it off even with a significant push.
• I can understand pilots turning on the seatbelt sign as a precaution, although there are many situations where passengers should be seated but where flight attendants would probably have no problem; after all, there is a reason why policies for passengers and crew have differed in the past.
• The additional challenge is that setting up service is no easy task, often requiring heavy carts to be transported back to the kitchen, which can be quite a distance away.

I can imagine that on some of Singapore Airlines’ shorter flights, this could lead to situations where the airline simply cannot fully provide the service. I have been on many two-hour flights in Southeast Asia where the seatbelt sign was on for most of the flight. I’m interested to see how this policy evolves.

Bottom line

Following a major turbulence tragedy, Singapore Airlines is updating its in-flight service protocols. Effective immediately, all in-flight service will be suspended when the seatbelt sign is illuminated as crew must fasten their seatbelts. I can’t blame Singapore Airlines for being cautious at the moment, although I can also imagine that things will return to normal at some point.

What do you think about this service update from Singapore Airlines?