It is roughly estimated that since the nineteen eighties, there have been about 25 skyjackings a year. (compiled from Criminal Acts Against Civil Aviation 1988 and 1989, and other sources).



Prior to 9/11, the policy of most airlines was for the pilot to comply with hijackers' demands in the hope of a peaceful outcome. Since then, policies have reversed course, in favor of arming and armoring the cockpit.

Options for preventing skyjacking now include screening of passengers and luggage to keep weapons off the airplane, putting air marshalls on flights, and equiping the cockpit to keep hijackers out.

Most skyjackings are not caused by political terrorists. Skyjackings are mostly caused by people out of personal, criminal or boscure motives. Some skyjackings arise from air rage incidents that in the heat of the moment spiral out of control.

Whatever the reason and motivation of the skyjackers, passengers and crew are nevertheless put at risk. This is so even if the cockpit is not overtaken and even when the aircraft is not in flight.

Here are the best ten things things you can do to help you survive a skyjacking.

1. Generally be aware of your surroundings at all times. When you are in an airport or aboard an airline, watch out for situations or activities that do not appear to be normal.

2. Report unusual activity to the authorities. If you see anything aboard an airline or in the airport that looks inappropriate or out of place (such as unusual behavior or potential security violations) inform somebody in authority.

3. Make no assumptions about who may pose a threat. If someone is intent on violence or skyjacking, realize that person can be of any age, gender, or nationality. Do not assume that any particular type of person is likely to do harm simply because of outward appearances.

4. Be as invisible as possible. Once it is clear that a skyjacking or a violent act is in progress, do nothing to draw attention to yourself. Stay quiet and be low profile. However, remain observant in case there is an opportunity for escape, and work as a team if the need arises.

5. Keep your seat belt fastened at all times while seated. This provides extra protection in case the plane hits unexpected turbulence of if the aircraft is forced through unusual maneuvers. Seat belt warnings may not be operating.

6. Pay attention to the flight attendants. The main reason flight attendants are on an aircraft is for safety. So if there is any kind of emergency situation, look to the flight attendants for guidance.

7. Everytime you travel become familiar with your aircraft. As soon as you are seated review the emergency safety instructions. Then count and memorize the number of rows to the nearest exits (toward the front or the back of the plane). Also make sure you understand how to use the seatback telephone service if such telephones are available.

8. Use a telephone if safe to do so. In an emergency, such as a skyjacking, use your mobile or the seatback telephone to alert the emergency services on the ground. But only do this if you can make the call without being noticed by the skyjackers. In the European Union the emeregency telephone number is 112. In the USA it is 911.

9. Have a camouflage passport. If your nationality is 'western' or if your country, culture, religion, or even the sound of your name could be associated with some kind of war or conflict, then you should consider getting a camouflage passport. You would use the camouflage passport only in the event of a skyjacking, and of course you would hide or destroy your real passport as soon as a skyjacking becomes apparent. Remember to also get rid of other items that may reveal your real identity.

One of the first acts carried out by skyjackers is to collect all passports. Possession of a camouflage passport is perfectly legal since it is not a false passport. To obtain a camouflage passport do a search on internet.

10. Work as a team. If the situation on the aircraft has the potential for danger, it is usually better to share information with crew members and the other passengers and to work together. Individual action, either during a normal emergency or during a hijack or other deliberate threat to the aircraft, is usually much less effective than a coordinated group action.