A disgraced Marine, Nicholas Cage, is sent to prison for killing a man who was attacking his pregnant wife. About to be released he is sent home on a plane with some of the counties worst criminals. Once the plane has taken off, the worst of the worst criminals manage to steal control of the plane from the guards. With a sense of duty to protect, the ex-marine stays on the plane to try and save a friend and a female guard. He manages to send messages to an official from the plane, Jon Cusack. As he tries to save others he risks his life so he can see his wife and daughter. As the other convicts attempt to escape, foiling their plans and stopping them becomes harder and harder.