Which approach is correct when a late passenger arrives near pushback and the flight is ready to depart?

Which approach is correct when a late passenger arrives near pushback and the flight is ready to depart?

• A. Offer alternative arrangements only after all passenger options are exhausted.
• B. Check if boarding is still possible and communicate with captain and gate agent; attempt to board if allowed; adjust seating if needed.
• C. Cancel the flight.
• D. Remove other passengers to make space.

Answer: (B)

When a late passenger arrives near pushback, the priority is to assess whether the passenger can still be accommodated safely and within the flight’s timing. The best approach is to check if boarding is still possible and then coordinate with the captain and the gate agent. If clearance exists, attempt to board the passenger and adjust seating if needed to fit them without compromising safety, weight and balance, or security procedures. This keeps the operation moving, uses the proper communication channels, and respects safety and regulatory constraints. Waiting to exhaust options before acting can waste precious time; canceling the flight is overly drastic for a late arrival close to departure; removing other passengers to make space is unsafe and against policy.

When a late passenger arrives near pushback, the priority is to assess whether the passenger can still be accommodated safely and within the flight’s timing. The best approach is to check if boarding is still possible and then coordinate with the captain and the gate agent. If clearance exists, attempt to board the passenger and adjust seating if needed to fit them without compromising safety, weight and balance, or security procedures. This keeps the operation moving, uses the proper communication channels, and respects safety and regulatory constraints.

Waiting to exhaust options before acting can waste precious time; canceling the flight is overly drastic for a late arrival close to departure; removing other passengers to make space is unsafe and against policy.