The narrative centers on Ethan Kopek, a TSA agent at LAX whose ordinary day quickly spirals into chaos when he encounters a sinister figure. Stuck in a job that feels stagnant, Ethan’s lack of enthusiasm stems not from a lack of opportunities but from his own disinterest.
However, when his girlfriend, Nora, announces her pregnancy, he realizes he must step up and improve his situation. An unexpected chance arises when he fills in for a colleague, leading him to inspect baggage for boarding.
During this crucial moment, he receives an earpiece instructing him to clear a suspicious bag, and as he uncovers its contents, he desperately attempts to prevent it from being loaded onto the aircraft, often facing unforeseen complications. SPOILERS AHEAD.
Who Hired the Traveler? What Was the Real Plan?
As the Traveler pressures Ethan into allowing the suspicious bag onto the plane, Ethan fears a terrorist attack. However, the Traveler discloses that he operates as a private contractor, not affiliated with any terrorist organization.
His mission is to ensure that the bag gets onboard smoothly. Confused by the implications of sacrificing a multitude of lives, Ethan learns that this act is not random at all.
While Ethan seeks a way out of this predicament, a news report comes to light, in the background, highlighting Congresswoman Grace Turner’s efforts to pass legislation aimed at strengthening the U.S. military’s presence abroad.
This news is particularly beneficial for private defense contractors, as increased military operations necessitate more weaponry.
Backed by these contractors, Turner advocates for her bill, but despite her efforts, it faces considerable opposition. A crisis reveals that moves the perception of the bill’s necessity, creating a lucrative opportunity for private firms.
In a desperate bid for political leverage, lawmakers conclude that a martyr is needed—an important figure whose death would unite them in support of Turner’s bill. The ideal candidate emerges: Grace Turner herself.
However, her assassination must be orchestrated to appear as collateral damage in an unrelated incident, thereby evading scrutiny and implying a foreign adversary’s involvement.
The concept of releasing Novichok gas on the plane surfaces, conveniently directing blame toward Russia. This tragic event would serve to catalyze the bill’s passage, resulting in substantial profits for private enterprises.
Does Ethan Diffuse the Bomb? Is the Traveler Dead?
Upon delving into Ethan’s background, the Traveler mistakenly perceives him as a defeated individual, someone who will follow orders without question.
The Traveler believes coercing Ethan into compliance will be straightforward since he seems apathetic to change. Contrary to these expectations, Ethan surprises the Traveler by embodying resilience and quick thinking, which at the end leads to a successful outcome.
Earlier that day, when Ethan held the Traveler at gunpoint, the villain activated a device in a briefcase that would unleash Novichok, threatening everyone’s lives.
Although Ethan hesitates, the Traveler refuses to disarm the device, asserting his control by instructing Ethan on how to defuse the bomb. This knowledge becomes crucial when the Traveler boards the plane with the explosive.
LAPD detective Elena Cole initially suggests halting the flight, but Ethan counters that this could provoke the Traveler to release the gas. The only way to thwart him is to make him believe his plan is relvealing as intended, while Ethan secretly prepares a counter-strategy.
Earlier, Ethan had switched the hazardous bag for a larger one that wouldn’t fit in the plane’s overhead compartments, ensuring it would end up in the cargo hold.
This clever maneuver distances the Traveler from the bomb, providing Ethan with an opening to neutralize it and avert disaster. Once the flight is cleared for departure, Ethan seizes his chance to access the baggage area.
Upon locating the device, he switches it to manual mode and begins disarming it. Meanwhile, the Traveler becomes aware of Ethan’s actions and confronts him before the bomb is completely defused, resulting in a physical altercation.
Armed with a gun, the Traveler believes he holds the advantage, but Ethan utilizes his surroundings to outmaneuver him. After a fierce struggle, Ethan traps the Traveler in a vacuum-sealed compartment and throws the bomb in after him.
In his desperate attempt to escape, the Traveler shatters the gas container, causing it to release poison that kills him instantly. The sealed environment ensures the gas remains contained, protecting everyone on the plane.
Does Ethan Apply to Police Academy Again? Does He Become a Cop?
Ethan’s journey is underscored by his ambition to join the police force—a dream initially inspired by his father’s wishes and his own aspirations. However, after facing rejection on his first application, his spirit waned, preventing him from trying again.
Nora, however, encourages him to persevere and apply once more, convinced that this time will yield a different outcome. Still, Ethan feels despondent and instead seeks a promotion in a job that fails to ignite his passion.
During discussions with the Traveler, he reveals that his past failure stemmed from dishonesty during a polygraph test regarding witnessing a crime—his father’s theft, which he couldn’t admit.
The fear of repeating his previous failure looms large, dissuading Ethan from reapplying. Yet, by the film’s conclusion, he transforms from a mere applicant into a hero who thwarted a terrorist plot and saved numerous lives.
Detective Elena Cole recognizes his bravery and invites him to seek her out after he recovers from his injuries sustained during the confrontation. She sees his potential, especially after witnessing his courage in action, and expresses her willingness to support him, acknowledging that the force could benefit from someone like him.
In the year following these events, Ethan’s life has developed. He is now a father and returns to the airport—not as a TSA agent but as a traveler waiting for his bag to clear security, overseen by his former colleagues. He and Nora have finally taken the vacation to Tahiti they had long discussed.
The final shot captures Ethan placing his LAPD badge into the scanner tray, signifying his official induction into the police force and the realization of his lifelong dream to serve as a cop.
