If a passenger refuses to follow crew instructions during a security threat, what is the recommended course of action?

• A. Confront the passenger directly and escalate to police immediately.
• B. Ignore the behavior and continue with service.
• C. Maintain calm, restate instructions, provide clear reasons, request assistance from trained crew, and if necessary, use secured seating or restraints with authorization.
• D. Detain the passenger using force.

Answer: (C)

The situation is handled best by a calm, coordinated, and authorized response. When a passenger won’t follow instructions during a security threat, first maintain a composed demeanor and clearly restate the instructions along with the reasons, so the passenger understands the risk and why compliance is necessary. Then seek help from other trained crew members who can provide support, assess the threat, and take appropriate action. If the noncompliance continues, use secured seating or restraints only with proper authorization and guidance from the responsible authorities on board. This approach prioritizes safety, minimizes risk of escalation, and ensures any restraint or containment is applied within policy and with proper authorization. Confrontation without training, ignoring the behavior, or detaining the passenger with force on your own would increase danger and is not aligned with standard procedures.