“Do we have the right to enter the cockpit of the plane?”

“My little son and I have to get on the plane soon. He’s always wanted to visit the cockpit, he’s an aviation fanatic. I would like to surprise him, but it is possible. How should it be done?

Sophie, lil

Dear reader,

What a great idea and what a nice surprise in prospect. Granted, the airplane cockpit, with all its buttons, dials, and indicator lights, turns on more than one (young to old). Unfortunately, since the attacks of September 11, 2001, aviation security regulations have been tightened, and access to the cockpit of a commercial flight is more secure and restricted than before. The answer should be no. But, rarely, this privilege is granted to the few who dare to ask for it.

Not possible in US airspace

First, be aware that it is simply impossible to enter an airplane cabin in US airspace (in flight or on the ground). The obvious reason is the respect for security on the plane after the attacks on the World Trade Center.If a pilot, regardless of company, has this bad idea during a flight, they are simply not allowed to re-enter United States airspace.warns Xavier Titelman, an aviation consultant and founder of the Fear of Flying Treatment Center.

How could the American authorities be informed? They simply have agents called “Air Marshals” commissioned by the Federal Air Marshal Service and placed under the control of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The latter are present on commercial flights in American airspace in civilian clothes and ensure the smooth flow of the road. The goal is to combat hijacking, and foreign companies (like Air France) are no exception.

At the Captain’s discretion

Therefore, it makes more sense to make this request elsewhere, and preferably in European or better French airspace. Forget the low-cost airlines like easyJet or Ryanair, which systematically deny this access to the skies. You can find your happiness next to Air France and preferably on a domestic flight.

All you have to do is politely make your request to a crew member, preferably the head purser, who will take care of passing it on to the captain, who makes the final decision. From now on, you no longer have control.The commander chooses whether to give a green light or not. There’s no specific rule, but pilots usually don’t do this before takeoffsays Xavier Tytelman. A child or wife may be lucky enough to be accepted. For safety reasons, an adult male will routinely be denied access to the cockpit. An exception can be made for a person who is afraid of flying to calm him down. But 99% of the time you should expect rejectionwarns Xavier Tytelman. Finally, if you don’t dare to visit the cockpit during the entire flight, you can try to visit it on the ground. The cockpit door is often open at this time and the pilots are accessible. Try it, you have nothing to lose.