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I apologize if someone has already posted this, but I though it might be useful for those of us who air travel:

From Hughhewitt.com

If you should ever be unfortunate enough to be caught on a hijacked aircraft and you wish to fight back, forget about throwing pop cans. Unless you're practiced, your chances of actually hitting are too low, and even if you hit you won't make any difference.The battle will not be won with missile weapons.

Forget about using a pop can as a bludgeon. Swinging attacks are too easily blocked, and they leave you open. Your arm is exposed for too long and can be slashed, and it puts your face within reach of his weapon.

All seat cushions on airliners are removable and have two straps underneath. They're intended for use as life preservers in case of a water landing, but they will also make decent shields if you are facing adversaries armed with knives. They are relatively large, not very heavy, and quite thick, and will stop slashing attacks or stabs with short-bladed weapons such as box cutters. Use one with your off-arm. Insert your arm through one strap and then hold the other strap in your hand. Make sure it doesn't slide around; it may be necessary to loop the straps. It should feel like part of your arm.

Unless you have a pocket knife, your weapon of choice is a pen. Hold either with the point extending between your thumb and forefinger. Keep enough of it in your hand so that your grip is secure. Make quick jabbing attacks, like a striking snake. Withdraw immediately; never leave your arm extended. Aim for his eyes. If you can hit his eye, he will be out of the fight, and even if you miss it will affect his ability to fight back, because it is instinctive to defend when your eyes are threatened. If you can make him fear you then half your battle is already won. Most other targets are invulnerable to your weapon. If he is wearing goggles, aim for the throat.

If you have no weapon at all, extend your forefinger and aim for the eyes. Avoid swinging or slashing attacks if a thrusting attack is possible; thrusting attacks are always superior.

Your alternate attack is called a "shield rush". If he shields his face with his arm, then he is top heavy and off balance. Holding the seat cushion with both hands, charge the enemy and try to knock him down or pin him against a wall. While he is pinned, a friend behind you can then disable or kill him.

Before going into action, fill your mouth with fluid. If you get close enough, blow it into his face to temporarily blind and distract him; then make an attack while he can't defend himself. It will be your best chance, so make it count.

If you have a thrusting weapon and a shield and he has a slashing weapon and no shield, you have the advantage. You will also have the advantage of numbers. If it is possible to do so, double-team against him.

Forget about trying to capture him unharmed. The ideal outcome is his death. There is no room for chivalry here. Mercy is a luxury you cannot afford. Do whatever is necessary to win.

There will be plenty of time to throw up later. (And while you're throwing up, remember that you have to be alive to throw up.)

Update 20020123: The biggest problem with thrown weapons is that they can be thrown back. The Romans wrestled with this problem when they designed the pilum. The final design they ended up with had a head made of soft iron which was designed to bend and deform when it hit; this would make it so it could not be thrown back.