What is the immediate response for a flight attendant who notices smoke from a lavatory?

When a flight attendant notices smoke coming from a lavatory, the immediate response should be to notify the captain. This action is crucial because the captain plays a vital role in managing the overall safety of the aircraft and its passengers. By alerting the captain, who is trained to handle emergencies, a flight attendant ensures that appropriate measures can be taken swiftly, including assessing the situation, informing air traffic control, and executing any necessary emergency procedures.

While assessing the situation from a safe distance is important to avoid unnecessary risks, notifying the captain takes priority in this scenario as it ensures that the entire crew can respond effectively and that the situation is elevated to the highest level of authority. Opening the lavatory door could introduce additional hazards, and waiting for an assistant could delay vital action during a potential emergency. Thus, notifying the captain is the most immediate and responsible response to ensure safety and address any potential threats quickly.