Cameron Poe (Nicolas Cage), a decorated Army Ranger, is sentenced to prison for involuntary manslaughter after defending his wife in a bar fight. After serving seven years, he’s granted parole and boards a prison transport plane called the Jailbird to return home.

However, the flight is hijacked by some of the most dangerous criminals in America, led by the brilliant and ruthless Cyrus "The Virus" Grissom (John Malkovich). As the convicts plan their escape, Poe secretly works to sabotage them and protect the innocent people caught in the chaos—all while trying to reunite with his wife and daughter.