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Jed Boal Reporting Air travel isn't what it was before 9-11. It's even tighter now. And some people are serious about self-defense on airplanes.
We don't usually consider self-defense on a plane. You're confined in a seat with nowhere to run. But, Salt Lake is now one of four cities where you can get airline passenger defense training.
Airport security tightens after news of a foiled terrorist plot last week. Other scares in the sky make frequent fliers fearful.
Thursday, a claustrophobic passenger on an international flight got into a confrontation with the crew.
Earlier this year, a jetliner made an emergency landing in Salt Lake when a woman scuffled with other passengers.
No one in the class at Mile High Karate school expects to foil a terrorist plot, or ever use these techniques on a plane. But a few helpful techniques and trained approach to crisis situations can make a difference.
Brett Lechtenberg/Karate Instructor: "In light of recent events, it was something we thought we should do for the community to feel more comfortable and safe when they travel."
The karate instructor says survival is a mindset. Tonight he showed basic escape techniques for scenarios passengers might encounter.
Sandy Baker flies regularly for work and pleasure and says this class gives her peace of mind.
Sandy Baker/ Frequent Flier: "You can never be over-prepared for things that might come your way. Whether it's stranger danger or being on a plane and prepared for whatever might come your way."
The instructor says it's not about creating heros or elevating the risk for other passengers. But, it does help create more passengers with greater awareness.
Scott Straaten/Frequent Flier: "It's the responsible thing to do. Either I'm helping myself, or helping other passengers as well."
Even if none of these students ever have to use these moves, they just may ease some anxiety in the air.
The instructor says these techniques would be helpful on a bus, and they'll actually train in one in upcoming sessions.
The next class is Thursday night at 7 at Mile High Karate in Sandy.
