What should a flight attendant do if they suspect a passenger is intoxicated?

When a flight attendant suspects that a passenger is intoxicated, monitoring the situation is crucial for maintaining the safety and comfort of all passengers on board. By keeping an eye on the potentially intoxicated passenger, the flight attendant can assess their behavior discreetly and determine if further action is necessary. Limiting the service of alcohol to that passenger helps in preventing any escalation of intoxication, which could lead to disruptive behavior or other safety concerns.

Reporting the situation to the captain is also an essential step, as the captain has ultimate responsibility for the safety of the flight and can make decisions regarding the situation, including conducting further observations or preparing for any actions that may be needed upon landing. This approach ensures that the crew is adequately informed and can take appropriate measures to handle the situation responsibly and effectively.

In contrast, ignoring the situation or immediately involving law enforcement could lead to unsafe dynamics on the flight, while asking the passenger to leave is not a feasible option in the context of a flight already in progress unless under severe circumstances justified by safety protocols.