What should you do if a passenger ignores your directions to return to their seat while delayed on the tarmac?

In scenarios where a passenger is not complying with directives during a delay on the tarmac, notifying the captain that the passenger did not comply is the most appropriate action. This is important because the captain is responsible for the overall safety and security of the flight and has the authority to make decisions regarding the situation.

By informing the captain, it enables them to assess the situation accurately and decide on the best course of action, which could include reinforcing compliance through crew members or other measures needed to ensure safety on board. This action emphasizes the chain of command and the importance of the captain's role in handling passenger behavior that could compromise safety during a critical situation such as being on the tarmac.

Calmly repeating instructions would typically be a good approach; however, if the passenger is ignoring those instructions, it may not resolve the issue effectively. Ignoring the passenger could lead to escalation and potentially compromise the safety of everyone on board, making it a less favorable option. Physically assisting the passenger could pose risks not only to the crew but also to the passenger themselves, and should generally be avoided unless absolutely necessary and safe to do so.