A review of the history of airplane hijacking traces the 5-to-7-year cycles of hijacking and the growth of the politically motivated hijacking that has become the most persistent and dangerous form. The book then analyzes the eight types of persons who have hijacked aircraft in the past, their various motives, and how they can be identified by airport security and flight crews. A major chapter discusses the politics of Western governments regarding hijacking in Europe and North America and identifies airports with the best and worst security. A 7-stage system of airport security for the 1990's is proposed. Other chapters address the problems faced by those on the hijacked plane, both passengers and crew. A discussion of the future of airport security describes the need for an integrated national and international effort to develop effective defenses against aircraft hijacking. Appendixes document the principal hijackings of the past 40 years and sabotage attempts on commercial aircraft. A 150-item bibliography and a subject index