If a passenger is unwell but appears intoxicated, what is the recommended crew response?

• A. Assess safety, follow medical response protocols, and have the Captain decide on handling; avoid confrontation.
• B. Ignore symptoms and continue service.
• C. Detain the passenger and move them to the back.
• D. Call medical emergency only if the passenger requests.

Answer: (A)

Safety comes first, so the crew should quickly assess the situation and follow established medical response procedures. If a passenger is unwell but appears intoxicated, gather basic information about symptoms, monitor their condition, and involve medical help as soon as possible—via the medical interphone or a ground medical advisor—and inform the Captain. The Captain then decides how to handle the situation, which could include moving the passenger to a quieter area, providing needed medical equipment, or arranging for further action if the flight’s safety could be compromised. This approach avoids confrontation, preserves cabin safety, and ensures the passenger gets appropriate care without delaying it. Ignoring symptoms or waiting for a passenger to request help can risk safety, and detaining someone without a clear safety justification or authority is not appropriate unless guided by protocol and the Captain.