Air Hijacking

from Clayton's Personal Security Handbook

• Note that not all hijackers will identify themselves as part of their strategy.
• Avoid making eye contact with terrorists, especially within the first 20 minutes to an hour of a plane takeover.
• If the hijackers collect valuables and passports, do not hide or attempt to withhold anything.
• Concentrate on being as quiet and inconspicuous as possible.
• Do not speak to other passengers. If hijackers have any reason to think you are plotting something, they are likely to harm you.
• Do not ask the terrorists for favors, such as permission to smoke, move to another seat or use the lavatory.
• Do not refuse a terrorist’s offer of food, beverages or tobacco, but consume them only in moderation.  If you are offered an alcoholic drink, accept but do not drink it.
• If possible, avoid turning your back to a terrorist – especially to the terrorist who appears to be in command of the hijacking.
• Do not attempt to negotiate with the terrorists or offer opinions to them.
• Remain as calm as possible throughout the hijacking and conserve your energy.
• Prepare yourself psychologically for the possibility that hijackers will question you at gunpoint or use other forms of pressure.
• With hijackers, it is wisest to speak only when you are spoken to.
• Mentally rehearse a plausible and unremarkable account of your employment and the specific reason for your being on the airplane.
• Even if heat inside the airplane becomes uncomfortable, continue to wear as much clothing as you can tolerate.
• If the hijacking becomes a prolonged incident and you must sleep, try to do so during brief moments.
• Use your time to evaluate the situation and consider your options in various situations such as a firefight, passenger struggle or escape opportunity.