Firstly, I hope the cabin crew members involved, especially the one who was attacked are OK. It’s not nice being caught up in one of these incidents.
So how do we stop these incidents from taking place or at least mitigate against some of their effects. Part of the problem is the social acceptability of being drunk and obnoxious. I’ve seen that the criminals who thump cabin crew have at least a short term history of being unpleasant, so we need to know this before they board. Another measure is is to spend more effort training cabin crew so they can avoid these situations. And then we have the punishment side affect the event. We are too lenient. Imprisonment, a very hefty fine and a total ban on flying forever plus compensation might be a reasonable minimum. Only a life changing outcome, matching the effect these events have on those who suffer them is appropriate.
Any other suggestions?
PM