Originally Posted by
GUWonder
You do realize that ordinary civilians have been involved in taking out various hijackers, wannabe hijackers and even wannabe bombers since 9/11?
Sometimes the best chance for self-preservation involves taking a risk that you may be injured or killed in the process. You do realize that there are at least two responses undertaken as part of self-preservation efforts in the face of hostility? Fight or flee. Flee from a plane in the sky? Superheroes may have organic wings, but I know no one like that.
Yeah, if you have a kamikaze hijacker any action from the authorities will consist of employing weapons against the plane. They can't save you, all they can do is save the target.
The only hope of survival against a kamikaze hijacker is to keep them out of the cockpit, or retake the plane if they do capture the cockpit. To not act is certain death, in such a case you act no matter how long the odds.
Furthermore, there will likely be plenty of people traveling with loved ones. Even if acting means certain death (say, jumping the guy with the grenade knowing you'll both end up in a pile on it) if it gives your loved ones a chance it's still worth doing.