What is the purpose of the passenger manifest?

The purpose of the passenger manifest is crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of airline operations. It provides a comprehensive list of all passengers on board, which is essential for confirming that the total number of passengers matches what is indicated on flight records. This record serves several key operational functions, such as enhancing safety protocols by enabling crew members to conduct roll calls in emergencies and facilitating accurate counting for weight and balance calculations.

While tracking in-flight purchases, recording mileage for frequent fliers, and monitoring cabin temperature are important aspects of airline service, they do not serve the fundamental role of passenger accountability and safety that the passenger manifest fulfills. The manifest helps crews ensure that all passengers are accounted for, contributing directly to the overall safety and security of the flight.