What to do in a hijacking

Press, 1 December 1988, Page 21

What to do in a hijacking

By

LES BLOXHAM,

travel editor “At the sound of gunshots, crouch as low as possible ... “Listen carefully and follow the instructions of the hijackers ... “Wear as much clothing as you can tolerate. Clothing will provide some protection if you are shot or if there is an explosion These are some of tips given in a recently released brochure on airtravel security produced by Thomas Cook for its business clients. The brochure, prepared with the help of an international firm of aviation security consulants, provides sound advice on how to avoid danger at airports and how to cope with a hijacking incident. It also contains a list of “provocative and incriminating” items that should never be included in carry-on baggage.

For instance, the brochure recommends that business cards indicating controversial titles such as “Director, Foreign Missile Sales,” or "Manager, Chemical Weapons Development Group” should be relegated to checked baggage. Likewise, any cards linking a traveller with the defence industry, police, or military and credit cards issued in the company’s name should not be carried. Chequebooks and other financial statements — anything indicating wealth that could tend to agitate fundamentalists or radicals — should also be left out of briefcases. Pornographic and girlie magazines, religious books, and books written by noted Israelis or anticommunists are seen as other “dangerous” items for a traveller to carry on to a flight. “In the event of a hi-

jacking, the traveller is obliged to look to his own preservation,” the brochure says. “As a general rule you should try to become as invisible as possible in order not to be singled out for any reason.” Among its do’s and don’ts, the brochure warns business travellers not to display authority, disdain, or arrogance. “Avoid making eye contact with any of the perpetrators, especially during the first 20 to 30 minutes of the incident. “Experience has shown that the initial stages of a hijacking — when the perpetrators are particularly nervous and agitated — are the most dangerous,” says the brochure. It urges travellers to remain as calm as possible, to conserve strength, and to be “quietly gracious” when offered food or drink. "Unless absolutely

necessary, do not talk with the other passengers around you. The hijackers may think you are plotting something and take action against you. “Do not trust anyone else on the aircraft with your thoughts, opinions, emotions, or plans. The passenger may be a hidden accomplice of the hijackers or may offer information about you in the hope of ingratiating himself with the hijackers. “At the sound of gunshots or other disturbance, crouch as low as possible and remain in that position until you have no doubt that it is again safe to sit up.” Touching on the possibility of escape, the brochure advises travellers first to evaluate all factors. “Once you have made an escape decision, do not vacillate. “Move fast.”