A detachable tray of the type usually pivotally attached to the seat back of a conventional airliner includes a layer of threat-resistant material for precluding penetration of a projectile from a firearm or sharp edged or sharp pointed weapon and serves in the manner of a shield to prevent injury to a person's shielded body parts. Where the economics of manufactur permit, the whole tray may be made of threat-resistant material. One or more handles or straps may be disposed on the bottom side of the tray to facilitate manipulation in positioning the tray to render it most effective to ward off an attack.