Traveling Safely: Airling Hijacking

Before You Go

• Consider the security records of your airlines and airports
• Book nonstop flights versus direct flights, which always stop en route
• Avoid aisle seats, which may place you in a "selectable" position
• Ensure that you know about the airline's codes-sharing deals and determine if you will be flying any segment on airlines other than the one you are booked on
• Wear non-distinct clothing and jewelry
• Carry a family photo
• If you are carrying a diplomatic or official passport, also travel with a tourist one
• Place your passport in a plain passport jacket that masks the passport's cover

Highjacking Phases

1. Takeover of the aircraft by one or more individuals
2. Announcement of the hijacking to the airline and authorities
3. A period of negotiation between the hijackers and authorities
4. Resolution by meeting demands or by a rescue force

Takeover

• Hijackers may appear calm but should never be expected to behave rationally
• Other hijackers may be covertly mixed among the regular passengers
• Stay calm, and encourage others around you to do the same
• Do not whisper or talk to other nearby passengers

Announcement

• Comply with the hijackers' demands and directions
• If passports are demanded, submit a tourist passport, rather than a diplomatic or official one
• Do not resist segregation

Negotiation

• Try to blend in with the other airline passengers
• Do not volunteer to become a spokesperson for other passengers
• Memorize the number of seats and windows between you and the nearest exit
• Stay alert; do not physically or verbally challenge the hijackers
• Do not consume alcohol
• Avoid eye contact with your captors
• If you speak the language of the hijackers, do not reveal it
• Do not initiate a conversation with a hijacker
• Do not volunteer information
• If interrogated, keep answers short, as nonpolitical as possible and in a regulated tone of voice
• If you are a U.S. citizen, expect to be accused of working for U.S. Intelligence
• Deny knowledge of international, political or military issues
• Never admit to any accusations that may be levied
• Minimize the importance of your job, your position in your firm and your trip
• Say you are traveling for tourism
• Rehearse in your mind what you will do if a rescue is attempted
• If this phase becomes a lengthier, drawn-out situation, try to establish rapport with your captors
• You may be able to appeal to the captors' human feelings by displaying your wedding band or a family photo in your lap
• Always remember that you are more valuable to your captors alive

Resolution

• If released, consider it a chance to help remaining hostages
• Details about the terrorists, their behavior and the situation on the plane may help authorities with a rescue
• If shooting occurs, lower yourself as far as possible in your seat and keep your head down. The rescue force can easily mistake you for one of the hijackers
• Comply with all directions given by the rescue force
• Do not move out of you seat until told to do so
• Do not pick up a weapon if you see one
• Once told to leave the plane, leave your carry-on bags and move as quickly as possible to the designated safety zone outside