If noncompliance with turning off a personal electronic device continues, what is the recommended escalation?

• A. Involve a supervisor.
• B. Confiscate the device.
• C. Ignore and continue service.
• D. Evacuate the passenger.

Answer: (A)

When a passenger continues to refuse to turn off a personal electronic device, the step is to escalate to a supervisor. This follows the chain of authority on board: the initial crew members handle the situation with reminders and requests, and a supervisor (often the purser) steps in to apply formal authority, issue warnings, and determine the next actions in line with policy. Involving a supervisor helps ensure the response is consistent, documented, and appropriate, while preserving safety and order in the cabin.

Confiscating the device isn’t within routine crew authority and can create policy and legal issues. Ignoring the instruction fails to address the safety requirement, and evacuating the aircraft is only for true emergencies, not for a noncompliant PED situation.