How Easy Is It to Open the Emergency Exit Mid-Flight?

[Callalily]

Well, we all hear stories about some disturbed person opening the emergency door. And when I board a plane, I look at those that are in this aisles to try to gauge if they are capable and more so, person(s) that could possibly go off the deep end and try to open the door. This article has put my mind at ease.

https://www.fodors.com/news/news/can-you-actually-open-the-emergency-exit-mid-flight

[Ocelot II]

1. It's impossible if the airplane is pressurized.

[Callalily]

4. Yes, I know. But . . .

[LizBeth]

2. Never even thought about. Must be hard living in your head, lol

Teasing. Good though for reassurance now that I am thinking about it.

[Callalily]

5. Intellectually I know that it's impossible.

But then there are those Twilight Zone episodes. (winking)

[LizBeth]

7. lol

[Effete Snob]

3. Try it and let us know

[Callalily]

6. Ohhhhhhhh nooooooooo.

Those flight attendants are really on the ball! They are looking out for anything nefarious.

[Effete Snob]

11. Whenever I'm boarding and am in an exit row...

...as soon as the scanner thingie goes beep, I look the gate agent in the eye and say, "I am able, prepared and eager to perform all emergency exit row functions!"

[drray23]

8. impossible unless you are at a very low altitude

otherwise the lower outside pressure compared to cabin pressure seals the door.

[Callalily]

9. Yup, I'm truly aware of this.

But it's nice to know that it's even verified! LOL

[MerryHolidays]

10. Not sure why people think this is funny

Until this happened, I didn't realize anyone could open doors on a commercial aircraft unless the doors were unarmed by the flight crew.

The fact that doors can be opened during take-offs and landings are a concern. Ask the folks on the Asiana flight if you have doubts. And note that Asiana has stopped selling seats next to emergency exits.

[Major Nikon]

12. There is no lock on the doors

There have been instances when doors have departed the aircraft from not being properly secured. Generally this happens shortly after takeoff and to my knowledge there’s never been any casualties from the event other than the massive cost of repairing the aircraft.