Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CHAPTER 17
Hijacked
THE SUBJECT OF HIJACKING is perhaps the most difficult on which
to provide instruction. The traditional school of thought, advocated
by experts who had studied the hijackings perpetrated in the 1970s and
1980s, always focused on compliance with the hijackers and cautioned
against taking any action against them. The State Department published
a set of guidelines that listed the most effective ways to survive a hijack-
ing by keeping a low profile. The guidelines stressed that the most impor-
tant thing to do was to remain below the hijackers' radar by being docile
and unobtrusive. The material posted by the State Department and other
related government departments provides instruction on how to avoid
being noticed or singled out and how to stay away from the area that will
be the focus of attention by terrorist hijackers. This material suggests that
you begin planning to avoid such focus even as you purchase your seat on
the airplane. You should ask for a window seat rather than an aisle seat.
If the plane is hijacked, you will then be close to the window and farther
away from the attention of the bad guys. Keep as much distance between
you and them and avoid catching their eyes. Obey the terrorists and don't
do anything to get them upset. The most dangerous moments of a hijack-
ing are the initial takeover and during any attempt at rescue. The terror-
ists are likely to be nervous as well, the guidelines say, especially during
the initial assault. Of course they will be nervous; after all, they are only
human. In fact, the guidelines say that later on you may be able to use
this common thread of humanity that you both share. They suggest trying
to develop a rapport with the captors and gradually make some small
requests for items to enhance your personal comfort. If you have family
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