What should a flight attendant do if a passenger refuses to follow crew instructions?

When a passenger refuses to follow crew instructions, the most appropriate action is to document the incident and involve law enforcement if necessary. This approach ensures the safety and security of all passengers and crew members on board. By documenting the situation, the flight attendant creates an official record that can be useful for future reference or any potential investigations. Involving law enforcement is crucial when a passenger's behavior poses a threat or violates airline regulations, as it is essential to address disruptive behavior effectively and uphold safety protocols.

In contrast, ignoring the situation could escalate the issue, endangering the well-being of everyone on the flight. Verbally reprimanding the passenger is not advisable, as this may provoke further confrontation and could lead to additional safety risks. While documenting the incident and informing ground staff is a positive action, it might not be sufficient if the situation requires immediate intervention from law enforcement to restore order and ensure safety on the aircraft.