Dirty prop
You simply don't understand the dynamics of the disruptive pax situation, the cabin crew will use all the training they have in conflict resolution to defuse the situation how ever if they can't get the person to behave in a reasonable manor they have to do something before the inccident gets out of control.
An airliner cabin is a toxic place when conflict starts, you can't run away from the situation and people who are near the trouble but are not directly involved are likely to be drawn in, for instance a parents of small children would normally just get their children way from a conflict if they are on the ground but in an aircraft they can't. In this situation even the most mild mannered parent will become violent to defend their the safety of their children.
Effectively with the authority of the captain the cabin crew can restrain the unruly pax but three small girls vs a number of drunk men is not usually a fair contest and given that cabin crew have safety related in normal flight you don't want them unable to perform these duties.
At one time the appearance of the Captain ( or more effective the flight engineer with a large maglite ) was enough to deal with the situation but the security situation as taken away that option.
The only way to defuse the situation is to get the aircraft on the ground once it looks like control of the cabin is likely to be lost. This decision is not taken lightly but sometimes it is the only option.
Last edited by A and C; 11th Jan 2016 at 07:08.