What is the primary responsibility of an In-Flight Security Officer (IFSO)?

The primary responsibility of an In-Flight Security Officer (IFSO) is to prevent the unauthorized takeover of the aircraft. This role is crucial in maintaining the safety and security of both passengers and crew during a flight. The IFSO is specifically trained to identify and handle potential threats, ensuring that any incidents that could jeopardize the safety of the aircraft are addressed promptly and effectively. This responsibility includes monitoring passenger behavior, liaising with the flight crew, and implementing security protocols to mitigate risks.

In the context of the other options, they do not align with the core duties of an IFSO. Educating the crew on non-security scenarios, ensuring meal service during turbulence, and assisting passengers with luggage are important aspects of flight operations and customer service but are outside the primary security focus of the IFSO. Thus, the emphasis on preventing unauthorized takeover directly reflects the critical security mandate that the IFSO upholds on board an aircraft.