The purser
May 30, 2011 | 8:32 pm
#2
In Memoriam
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: dallas texas usa
Programs: aa plt 4.9MM LTAC
Posts: 14,828
ask any fa....often they announce the pursers name or the purser makes the pa....mostly on intl flights in my experience, i don't think they are on us domestic as a rule, but there will be an fa in charge...
good luck...
good luck...
May 31, 2011 | 2:01 am
#3
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX, USA
Programs: UA Platinum, AA Lifetime Platinum, DL Platinum, Honors Diamond, Bonvoy Ambassador, Hertz Platinum
Posts: 8,179
Typically, the purser will have two stripes of rank on their uniform. Regular FA's have 1 stripe, pilots have 3, and captains have 4.
May 31, 2011 | 4:58 am
#4
Join Date: May 2011
Location: In a bowl...
Programs: *, 1W
Posts: 90
Really depends on the airline. Some use stripes, others colours to differentiate the various ranks. If you really want to know, do as suggested above - just ask. In some cases, the in-flight magazine can help you, too... 
May 31, 2011 | 11:40 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2005
Programs: UA 1K, Hertz 5*, IHG RA, Hyatt Diamond, Amex Plat, SPG Gold
Posts: 725
They usually have something to distinguish themselves but sometimes certain FAs act as if they are above the purser and may be offended if you ask them who the purser is without a legitimate reason they can't deal with first.