What should be done with a passenger who entered the lavatory during pushback?

When a passenger enters the lavatory during pushback, the appropriate response is to have the passenger return to their seat and fasten their seatbelt. This is crucial for maintaining safety during this critical phase of departure when the aircraft is preparing to taxi and take off.

The reasons this is the preferred action include ensuring all individuals in the cabin are seated and secured as required by safety regulations. By returning to their seat, the passenger is less likely to be in a potentially hazardous situation during pushback, which involves movement and possible sudden maneuvers of the aircraft. It also allows the flight crew to manage the cabin headcount and maintain order as the flight progresses.

While notifying the flight deck is important for certain incidents, in this case, the focus is on getting the passenger safely back into their seat rather than immediately informing the pilots. Asking the passenger to exit the lavatory immediately might not be effective or safe, as it disrupts their privacy and could create a disturbance. Informing other passengers may also needlessly alarm them and does not solve the immediate issue at hand. Thus, the best course of action is to ensure that the passenger is seated and buckled, aligning with both safety protocols and efficient cabin management.