Description. The Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM), also referred to as the In-flight Service Manager (ISM), Flight Service Director (FSD), Customer Service Manager (CSM), Cabin Service Director (CSD), or by other titles, is the senior flight attendant in the flight attendant chain of command.

The official title for a senior flight attendant in 2026 varies by airline and region, but the most common technical term is the Senior Cabin Crew Member (SCCM). On many international airlines, they are referred to as the Purser or the In-flight Service Manager (ISM). On large aircraft like the Airbus A380 or Boeing 777, you might have multiple "Pursers" managing specific cabins (First, Business, Economy) who all report to a Flight Service Director (FSD) or "Chief Purser." In the United States, the role is often simply called the "Lead Flight Attendant" or "A-Line." Regardless of the name, this person is the highest-ranking member of the cabin crew and serves as the primary liaison between the cabin and the pilots. They are responsible for overall passenger safety, coordinating meal services, and managing any medical or behavioral emergencies that occur during the flight. You can usually identify them by a slightly different uniform color or a specific pin.