Some fliers say SIA’s new Safety measures affecting service

They say decision to halt meal service when seat-belt sign is on is a hasty move

- Sarah Stanley

The new Singapore Airlines (SIA) in-flight service protocol, in which meal service is suspended and cabin crew members must buckle up when the seat-belt sign is turned on, has had a ripple effect on passengers and crew.

Most people who spoke to the Straits Times said they understood SIA's need to update its protocol.

But a handful of frequent fliers described it as a hasty move, and said the national carrier's new regulations are already having repercussions on its service offerings and drive up stress levels of cabin crew.

SIA put more comprehensive safety measures in place shortly after Flight SQ321 from London to Singapore experienced such severe turbulence on May 21 that a passenger died and dozens were injured.

Previously, only hot drinks and soup were not allowed to be served when the seat-belt sign was turned on, and service could continue at the discretion of the crew, but meal service must now be completely paused.

A civil servant, who wanted to be known only as Matthew, 32, said while he agreed that safety was of utmost importance, the impact of this change was bound to be felt by both crew and passengers, especially on short-haul flights.

He added: "It just seems like a knee-jerk reaction since it was implemented so quickly. Some crew members I've spoken with are stressed out about whether there will even be sufficient time to complete the entire meal service." On a full flight in economy class, meal service can take one or two hours to complete, barring any disruptions. Meal service also often requires the crew to maintain a constant presence in the cabin.

Some netizens went as far as to suggest that passengers should take along their own food and drinks on board in case meal service was canned due to turbulence, especially on short- and medium-haul flights.