In an era where most onboard knives are still plastic, it remains possible for passengers to defend themselves in the event terrorists attempt to takeover a plane. That’s the message of a new book, Never Again: A Self-Defense Guide for the Flying Public. (Hat tip to Bob Poole.)

David Grimes offers a review.

Some of the self-defense techniques discussed in the book include elbow chops, punches to the throat, lip pulls and kicks to the groin.



If the bad guy is still breathing after that punishment, you can whack him in the head with a soda can, which the authors describe as an “effective short-range missile.” And, proving that I was wrong all along about the usefulness of neckwear, a tie is said to make an excellent wrist restraint.

Even the TSA doesn’t seem to mind.

So far, the government and pilots’ organizations are embracing the theme of “Never Again.” When dozens of passengers are prepared to help a captain maintain control of the plane, that can’t help but be a good thing.



“While we do not endorse any particular product, we certainly support the effort to raise the vigilance level of the traveling public, plus the public in general,” Transportation Security Agency spokeswoman Lauren Stover said.



Added Capt. Paul Onorado, vice president of the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations: “We want the passengers in the back armed with knowledge.”