Rising Air Travel Violence Spurs Demand for Flight Attendant Self-Defense Training

As air travel rebounds from the pandemic, a concerning trend of unruly and aggressive passengers has emerged, putting flight attendants’ safety and well-being at risk. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data for 2021 revealed a significant rise in reports of unruly passenger incidents, with 5,981 reported cases, of which 4,290 were linked to issues related to mask compliance. Responding to this, the FAA has adopted a zero-tolerance stance, imposing fines and legal consequences for offenders.

However, flight attendants are advocating for additional measures to ensure their safety. They are seeking enhanced training and support to effectively manage violent situations and safeguard themselves and fellow passengers. To address this need, many are enrolling in the Crew Member Self Defense Training Program (CMSDT), a comprehensive four-hour course offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The program equips them with practical skills to counter, neutralize, and restrain attackers.

Originally introduced in 2004, the CMSDT program was temporarily halted due to the pandemic but resumed in July 2021. Since its revival, hundreds of flight attendants have taken part in the training, available at 24 locations across the United States. Participation in the program is voluntary, yet flight attendant unions are advocating for mandatory self-defense training as part of the certification process for all crew members.

Flight attendants say they hope they never have to use the skills they learn in the CMSDT program, but they feel more confident and prepared in case they do. They also urge passengers to follow the rules and respect the crew, as they are there to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, cnn.com, tsa.gov, unitedafa.org