If a passenger shows a flight attendant a vial of clear liquid and claims it is nitroglycerin, what action should the flight attendant take?

When a passenger presents a vial of clear liquid and declares it to be nitroglycerin, it is crucial for the flight attendant to recognize the serious implications of this claim. Nitroglycerin is a well-known explosive and a substance that poses significant risks in an aviation environment. The appropriate response in this scenario is to inform the flight deck about the situation, categorizing it as a Level 3 threat.

This action is vital not only to ensure the safety and security of the flight but also to initiate the proper emergency protocols. It allows the flight deck crew to assess the situation, potentially alert authorities, and prepare for any necessary interventions. By taking this step, the flight attendant is fulfilling their duty to prioritize passenger safety and maintain security on the aircraft, recognizing that a claim of such material must be treated with the utmost seriousness.

Other options may not adequately address the potential threat – simply asking the passenger to discard the vial or ignoring it could result in dangerous consequences. Reporting to the cabin crew for assistance could be part of the process, but the immediate priority is to inform the flight deck, where critical decisions about safety can be made quickly.