What should a flight attendant do if they encounter a disruptive passenger?

When faced with a disruptive passenger, the most appropriate action for a flight attendant is to remain calm, assess the situation, and follow company protocols. This approach allows the flight attendant to handle the situation in a professional manner, ensuring the safety and comfort of all passengers on board.

Remaining calm is crucial as it helps to de-escalate any tension and reduces the likelihood of the situation escalating further. Assessing the situation involves observing the passenger’s behavior and understanding the context of their disruption. Following established company protocols gives the flight attendant clear guidelines on how to respond appropriately to different levels of disruption, ensuring that their response is consistent with company policy and the training they have received.

This option promotes a measured and structured response, which is vital in maintaining safety and order within the aircraft. The other approaches, such as ignoring the situation, confronting the passenger, or escalating the issue immediately, do not address the importance of a calm assessment and may lead to further complications or safety risks.