Flight Attendant Current
Communication Breakdown
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Human Factors; Procedure
I was attempting to complete my preflight security check but had to stop because boarding had commenced. The right overhead equipment and overhead bins had been checked along with the emergency cards at the exit row; but I could not continue checking under the seats. I was asked to sign off on the preflight checklist; and I wrote that I was able to complete only half due to boarding. Once boarding was complete; a man I believe was a supervisor asked about the notation and I said I couldn't completely sign off because the check had not been completed. He told me we were going to take a delay because of it. I notified the Captain of the situation. I was met at the jetway just outside the aircraft by two women; one of whom I thought was a manager. I started to explain what had happened; and she said she already knew about it. She asked if I could complete the check and I said I would do whatever she wanted me to; but that there were now passengers onboard with their bags and other items in their seat back pockets. She offered to help check. I said I would do it but I made it clear that this was her decision to complete the check this way. The other woman in the jetway said the only alternative was to deplane passengers. They didn't want to do this so I did as I was told. I went in; she followed me and we checked under the seats from the exit row forward.
B737 Flight Attendant reports passenger boarding commencing before her safety and security checks have been completed. When asked to sign the preflight checklist; it is signed as half complete. This results in a delay as the Flight Attendant involved is asked to do the security checks that were not completed with passengers on board.