Any traveler could become a hostage.  The odds of that happening are extremely low when the number of travelers is compared to the number of people that have actually become a hostage.  However, there is always that slim chance that a traveler could end up being in the wrong place at the wrong time.  With this in mind, the traveler should make sure that his/her affairs are in order before they travel abroad.  Items of particular importance to an individual in a hostage situation are the currentness of an up-to-date will, insurance policy and a power of attorney for the spouse.  If these items have been taken care of before departure, the employee will not have to worry about the family’s welfare and the hostage can focus all of his/her efforts on the one thing of paramount importance and that is SURVIVAL!!

To survive, travelers should realize that there are certain dynamics involved in a hijacking or a kidnapping, and, to increase their ability to survive, they must understand how these interacting forces affect the end result.  Each individual involved in an incident of this type will have an impact on the eventual outcome.  One wrong move by either a victim or a perpetrator could easily result in a disaster rather than a peaceful conclusion to the incident.

The first thing that a traveler should remember is that he or she is not the only one that is scared and nervous.  Everyone involved is in the same emotional state, including the perpetrators.  Fear can trigger a disaster, and it does not take much for some individuals to set off a defensive spate of violence.  Whether it is a demonstration of violence to reinforce a demand or to incite fear in the minds of the hostages, the violence will be motivated by fanaticism and/or fear and that violence will be directed at the person(s) who are perceived to be a threat or a nuisance to the hijackers.

To minimize the possibility of being selected for special attention by the perpetrators and to maximize your ability to survive a hostage situation, here are some guidelines to remember:

Hijacking Survival Guidelines

The physical takeover of the aircraft by the hijackers may be characterized by noise, commotion, and possibly shooting and yelling, or it may be quiet and methodical with little more than an announcement by a crew member.  These first few minutes of the hijacking are crucial:

• Stay calm, and encourage others around you to do the same.
• Remember that the hijackers are extremely nervous and are possibly scared.
• Comply with your captor(s) directions.
• If shooting occurs, keep your head down or drop to the floor.
• Remain alert.

Once the takeover of the aircraft has occurred, you may be separated by citizenship, sex, race, etc.  Your passport may be confiscated and your carry-on luggage ransacked.  The aircraft may be diverted to another country.  The hijackers may enter into a negotiation phase, which could last indefinitely, and/or the crew may be forced to fly the aircraft to yet another destination.  During this phase passengers may be used as a bargaining tool in negotiations, lives may be threatened, or a number of passengers may be released in exchange for fuel, landing/departure rights, food, etc.  This will be the longest phase of the hijacking:

• If you are told to keep your head down or maintain another body position, talk yourself into relaxing into the position; you may need to stay that way for some time.
• Prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for a long ordeal.
• Do not attempt to hide your passport or belongings.
• If addressed by the hijackers, respond in a regulated tone of voice.
• Use your time wisely by observing the characteristics and behavior of the hijackers, mentally attach nicknames to each one and notice their dress, facial features and temperaments.
• If you or a nearby passenger are in need of assistance due to illness or discomfort, solicit the assistance of a crew member first – do not attempt to approach a hijacker unless similar assistance has been rendered by them for other passengers.
• If the hijackers single you out, be responsive but do not volunteer information.

The last phase of the hijacking is resolution, be it by use of a hostage rescue team or resolution through negotiation.  In the latter instance, the hijackers may simply surrender to authorities or abandon the aircraft, crew and passengers.  In the case of a hostage rescue operation to resolve the hijacking:

• The characteristics of a hostage rescue force introduction into the aircraft will be similar to the hijacker’s takeover – noise, chaos, possibly shooting – the rescue force is re-taking control of the aircraft.
• If you hear shots fired inside or outside the aircraft, immediately take a protective position – put your head down or drop to the floor.
• If instructed by a rescue force to move, do so quickly, putting your hands up in the air or behind your head; make no sudden movements.
• If fire or smoke appears, attempt to get emergency exits open, and use the inflatable slides or exit onto the wing.
• Once you are on the tarmac, follow the instructions of the rescue force or local authorities; if neither are there to guide you, move as quickly as possible away from the aircraft and eventually move towards the terminal or control tower area.
• Expect to be treated as a hijacker or co-conspirator by the rescue force; initially you will be treated roughly until it is determined by the rescue force that you are not part of the hijacking team.
• Cooperate with local authorities and members of your Embassy, Consulate or other agencies in relating information about the hijacking.
• Onward travel and contact with family members will be arranged by the authorities of your embassy as soon as possible.

Dulles Airport

Travel Itinerary

DO NOT publicize your travel plans, but limit that knowledge to those who need to know.  Leave a full itinerary of your travel schedule, hotel phone numbers and business appointments with your office and with a family member or friend.

Passport

Is it valid?  Are the visas current for the country of destination?  If not, you and everything in your possession may be looked at in-depth by host government authorities.  If you are carrying documents that are sensitive or proprietary, they will be examined in detail to see if there is anything that would be of interest.  If there is, you can bet that copies will be made, and there is not much that you will be able to do about it.

Make photocopies of your passport, visa and other important documents that you will be traveling with.  Put copies in both your carry on and checked luggage.  This makes it easier to replace your identification documents should anything happen.  (Also, it is a good idea to leave a photocopy with someone at home.)

Visas

Is a visa required for any of the countries that you are visiting and do you have the appropriate visa(s)?  Is the information on your visa application true and correct?  In some countries, falsifying information on a visa application can result in an unexpected vacation in the local bastilles.

Some countries are sensitive to which visa you obtain.  If you are traveling on business, a business visa should be obtained; otherwise a tourist visa is acceptable.

Medical

Take plenty of any prescription medication with you, as well as an extra set of eyeglasses or contact lenses.  Also, take a copy of your prescription should you need to have glasses, contacts or medication replaced.  Keep an inoculation record and update it before each trip as each country has different requirements.

• Carry with you a list with your blood type, allergies, medical conditions and special requirements.  It is a good idea to have a medical alert bracelet if you have a special medical condition.
• Inoculations – Does the country to be visited require any specific inoculations?  This information is available from the embassy or consulate.  Be sure to carry your international shot record, just in case.
• If you do not have comprehensive medical coverage, consider enrolling in an international health program.   Hospitals in foreign countries do not take credit cards and most will not honor U.S. based medical insurance plans.

Miscellaneous

Keep your personal affairs up to date.  If possible, leave a power of attorney with a family member or friend should anything happen to you.

• Do research on the country you will be traveling to before you go.  Talk with friends, family or business associates who have visited the country. They can usually give you some good tips for your trip.  Also,  for any travel warnings or other conditions that you should be aware of, check with the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
• Travelers should discuss with their travel agents, which airlines, hotels and car rental companies are recommended.
• Carry in your wallet/pocketbook only the documents you will need.  Take only the credit cards you plan to use on your trip.
• If you plan to rent a car, check to see if you must obtain an international drivers permit for the country you plan to visit.
• Obtain information from U.S. Customs regarding any special requirements for the country you are visiting.

Local Import Restrictions

Request from the embassy of the country you plan to visit a copy of any list or pamphlet describing customs restrictions or banned materials.   This is a hint designed to minimize the possibility of an encounter with the local authorities.

Leave all expensive and heirloom jewelry at home.

Luggage

DO NOT pack sensitive or proprietary information in your checked luggage.  Double envelope the material and hand carry it.  Be sure that your luggage is tagged with covered tags that protect your address from open observation.  Put your name and address inside each piece of luggage and be sure that all luggage is locked or secured in some fashion.

Luggage Locks

The locks on your luggage are not that secure when it comes to the professional thief or manipulator and are really no more than a deterrent.  But, if time is of the essence to the perpetrator, and it usually is when a crime is involved, there are a couple of suggestions that might deter surreptitious entry and/or theft. 

• For added security on all luggage, run a strip of nylon filament tape around the suitcase to preclude its opening accidentally if dropped or mistreated by baggage handlers.
• For luggage and briefcases with two combination locks, reset the combination locks from the factory combination (000) to different combinations on each of the right and left locks. 
• For luggage with single locks, set the lock on each piece of luggage with a different combination. 
• DO NOT pack extra glasses or necessary daily medication in your luggage.  Carry it in your briefcase, purse or pocket.  If you are the victim of a hijacking you may need these items – if they are in your luggage, you probably will not be able to get to them.
• On your luggage use your business address and telephone number.  If possible, use a closed name tag with a cover.  Do not use a laminated business card on your luggage, and avoid putting the company name or any logos on your luggage.
• Check with the airline and/or your personal insurance company regarding any lost luggage coverage.
• Make sure you use sturdy luggage.  Do not over pack as the luggage could open if dropped.  Bind the luggage with strapping so that it will remain intact.
• Never place your valuables (jewelry, money and travelers checks) in your checked luggage.  Never leave your bags unattended.
• Consider obtaining a modest amount of foreign currency before you leave your home country.  Criminals often watch for and target international travelers purchasing large amounts of foreign currency at airport banks and currency exchange windows.
• Try to book a non-stop flight, as these have fewer takeoffs and landings.
• Choose an airline with a good safety and on-time record.
• Try to make your stopovers in airports that have a high security standard and good security screening.
• Try to fly wide body planes.  Hijackers tend to avoid these as having too many passengers.
• Most travelers prefer an aisle seat.  Choose a window or center seat.  This will keep you away from the hijackers and any action that may be happening in the aisle.

Airline Security and Seat Selection 

• Try to book a non-stop flight, as these have fewer takeoffs and landings.
• Choose an airline with a good safety and on-time record.
• Try to make your stopovers in airports that have a high security standard and good security screening.
• Try to fly wide body planes.  Hijackers tend to avoid these as having too many passengers.
• Most travelers prefer an aisle seat.  Choose a window or center seat.  This will keep you away from the hijackers and any action that may be happening in the aisle.

Source: PERSONAL SECURITY GUIDELINES FOR THE AMERICAN BUSINESS TRAVELER OVERSEAS, Overseas Security Advisory Council,  U.S. Department of State.