What should a flight attendant do if the lavatory smoke detector activates?

The appropriate action when a lavatory smoke detector activates is to knock and announce before entering. This approach ensures the safety of both the flight attendant and the passengers. By knocking, the flight attendant can gain awareness of the situation inside the lavatory without abruptly entering and potentially putting themselves at risk. The announcement serves to alert any individuals inside that a potential hazard has been detected, allowing them to respond appropriately.

Conducting a full cabin inspection may seem prudent, but it risks leaving the immediate issue unaddressed while also creating potential panic among passengers. Ignoring the alarm to avoid panic is not acceptable as it could lead to serious safety issues if a fire or smoke situation is indeed present. Lastly, evacuating all passengers immediately is an extreme response that would not be warranted unless under direct threat, as it could lead to chaos and confusion. Proper protocol emphasizes assessing the situation first and ensuring safety practices are in place before taking further action.