Who is authorized to approve a safety-related seat change?

• A. Any flight attendant can authorize.
• B. Only the lead flight attendant or purser can authorize a seat change; ensure the change does not obstruct exits or safety equipment.
• C. The captain can authorize.
• D. Seat changes are never allowed.

Answer: (B)

Safety-related seat changes are controlled by the designated cabin safety supervisor, because this decision directly affects evacuations, access to exits, and placement of safety equipment. The lead flight attendant or purser is responsible for assessing whether moving a passenger would obstruct an exit, block safety gear, or hinder crew coordination during an emergency. Their role combines knowledge of the current seating plan with emergency procedures, so they’re the ones who can authorize any adjustment without compromising safety. The captain oversees flight operations but relies on the cabin leadership for safety decisions inside the cabin, so they don’t typically authorize these changes. And while changes aren’t made lightly, there are situations that require adjustment rather than a blanket rule that changes never happen. That’s why the approved answer emphasizes the lead flight attendant or purser, with the condition that the change must not obstruct exits or safety equipment.