If the N1 becomes incapacitated before departure, who takes their place?

When the N1 becomes incapacitated before departure, the N2 is the appropriate person to step into that role. The N1 generally serves as the lead cabin crew member responsible for overall safety and service management. The N2, as the next in line, is trained to take on those responsibilities and ensure that the cabin crew operates smoothly, especially in a situation where the N1 cannot fulfill their duties.

The structure of cabin crew hierarchy typically designates roles where each level has its own set of responsibilities and the N2 is specifically positioned to assume the responsibilities of the N1 if needed. This ensures that there continues to be an effective and trained leadership presence in the cabin crew, maintaining safety and compliance with regulations before takeoff. Other options, while they involve personnel from the cabin crew, do not align with the established hierarchy for role succession, which specifically places the N2 in prime position to take over for the N1 under such circumstances.