During a threat on board, what is the appropriate use of force by flight attendants?

• A. Use maximum force until the threat is neutralized.
• B. Use only the minimum amount of force necessary to protect life, consistent with training and law, and seek to disengage when safe.
• C. Hand over to security only after landing.
• D. Use force only if a weapon is involved.

Answer: (B)

Protection of lives in a threat on board requires a response that is proportional to the danger and limited to what is necessary to stop the harm, grounded in training and the law. Flight attendants are taught to engage only with the minimum force needed to neutralize the threat, with the explicit aim of disengaging as soon as it is safe to do so. This approach balances the instinct to protect passengers with the responsibility to avoid unnecessary harm or escalation. It also aligns with procedures to de-escalate, to call for security help, and to regain control of the cabin as quickly and safely as possible.

Excessive force would violate training and likely legal guidelines, and waiting until landing to act leaves people exposed to ongoing danger. Force is not contingent on weapon presence; even unarmed threats require a measured, lawful response focused on preserving life and safety.