Watch: Flight attendants to learn self-defense techniques as in-flight violence spikes

A poke to the eyes or knee to the groin? These are just some of the techniques flight attendants will start learning as part of the TSA’s Crewmember Self Defense Program. See some of the techniques used in the video we’ve shared below.

With mid-flight violence on the rise, flight attendants have had enough and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is here to help. The Crewmember Self Defense Program was instituted in 2017, although it has largely lain dormant. However, over the past year or so in-flight chaos seems to erupt more often than it ever has.

The TSA is restarting its Crewmember Self Defense Program in July. FAA Administrator Steve Dickson told ABC News, “We have seen an alarming increase in the rate over the last few months, and it’s something that we need to get under control.”

Indeed, over 3000 incidents of unruly and even violent behavior have been referred to the FAA for review. In fact, huge fines have started being levied against unruly passengers including a recent $52,000 fine for a passenger who tried to open a door while the plane was in flight and assaulted crewmembers.

Many of these incidents are related to mask wearing which remain a controversial topic for many flyers.

In the press release announcing the restart of the self defene program, Darby LaJoye and TSA official, noted:

“Through this training program, TSA’s Federal Air Marshals are able to impart their specialized expertise in defending against and deescalating an attack while in an aircraft environment. While it is our hope that flight crew members never have need for these tactics, it is critical to everyone’s safety that they be well-prepared to handle situations as they arise.

Press Release

The Crewmember Self Defense Training Program is four hours in length, held in-person at various locations across the country, and costs flight attendants nothing. Interested flight attendants can sign up here.