While boarding a flight over the holidays, I noticed a flight attendant asking children if they would like to visit the cockpit. Of course, they all happily said yes and proudly marched inside. It was cute seeing how excited they were but I was a little surprised it was allowed. I have two nephews who would jump at the chance for the experience so I took the opportunity to ask the flight attendant some questions about how to get to the cockpit.
Is this a one-time thing for the holidays? What are the rules? Can anyone visit? Apparently, anyone can visit! She did make it perfectly clear that visits were only allowed before or after the flight though. Simply ask the flight attendant as you are boarding or disembarking and she will grant you access if the flight crew is not busy. Your best chances are after the flight as before is when the pilots are usually occupied.
The flight attendant also pointed out that cockpit visits weren’t just for kids. Adults are also welcome but the same rules apply. So, consider asking on your next flight whether you are traveling with a kid or whether you are just a curious adult.
KWI-BAH in November the (United) Captain invited a myself and a few other mileage runners up to the cockpit of our 777 and we were basically allowed to stay up there until a few minutes before the door closed. I was up there for over an hour since we had an hour delay due to inspection after lightning strike on the inbound.
Wow, over an hour…that’s the only time I wouldn’t mind a delay!
I am 60 years old and last year I had my picture taken in the captain’s seat on a B777 and a B737. That is how you start off a vacation!
That’s so great! You should make it a habit before every vacation:)
We bought a generic flight log book at a stationary store, and take it with us on all of our trips with our son starting when he was 6 months old (he’s 3 now). We log all the flights, aircraft, etc and then have the pilots sign it after each flight. We’ve had a few offer to let him come take pictures in the cockpit on Delta, but it’s always after the flight.
Such a great idea and wonderful keepsake for your little flyer!
What a great keepsake!! Love the idea of writing it all down in a travel journal. Will pass on this fun tip!
Thanks!
Cockpit visits are NOT allowed while in flight, but on the ground it is up to the discretion of the pilots. From my experience they are more apt to allow visits at the END of flights since they are usually busy before flights taking care of all their pre-flight work.
That’s exactly what the flight attendant told me- she was especially clear on the “only on the ground” part.
Hi,
When is the best time to ask? 🙂
I would first ask the flight attendant as I’m boarding the flight, especially if boarding early. If the pilots are busy before the flight then at least you can politely ask again after the flight too…best chance does seem to be for after the flight though.
My 5 year old has visited the cockpit about 5 times during her many travels. International carriers and Southwest have been the best airlines for inviting her up. It is always a big hit – you often just have to ask!
Funny you mention that as I was on a Southwest flight from SAN-MDW when I saw it happen. I would never have thought to just ask otherwise.
Did this on an European Express Train.
The engineer bluntly told me no then called me in while in motion. He explained that they were on video surveilance at stations and could only let me enter while between stations.
Unlike aircraft, I was actually allowed to control the train for a minute and the power rush is AMAZING. The feeling of accelerating a 12 car express train is….
Hmm, thought I had already replied…probably got distracted adding this to my bucket list:) Can’t believe they let you control a 12 car train!!
Good to know. I would do that in a heartbeat 🙂
I can’t believe I didn’t know about this sooner…so many missed opportunities!
I’m a flight attendant in the United States who stumbled upon this post. I love giving kids a chance to visit the pilots before the flight. It’s so much fun to see their reactions! Some kids are terribly shy. Others are curious and interested, asking many questions. (“What does this button do?”) As already mentioned, it is more likely that your child will have a chance to visit the cockpit before take-off. (Many pilots tend to sneak away as soon as the plane parks after landing.) As mentioned, please keep in mind that you must ASK to visit and it is at the discretion of the pilots. If the flight is already delayed for take-off or if the pilots still need time to finish their pre-flight checks, they will not accommodate your request. Also, PLEASE be mindful of the pilots’ time AND the time of the flight attendants!!! (In some aircraft, the cockpit door is right next to the First Class galley and your presence may hinder the galley flight attendant from getting his or her pre-flight duties accomplished.)
Concerning adults visiting the cockpit…. I have never had anyone over the age of twelve ask to visit the pilots before take-off. It would be unusual and quite frankly, trigger my suspicions, making me wonder if you had an ulterior and perhaps sinister motive for wanting to check out the plane’s controls/crew before take-off. Sadly, that is just the mindset I need to have in order to do my job well and keep passengers safe. I am the “gate keeper” of that cockpit door before take-off and if I have any warning signs from you, I’m going to tell you that the pilots are busy.
Finally, please please please don’t be the creepy middle aged guy who came up to my co-worker during the middle of the flight asked, “Can I go into the cockpit and take some pictures now?” Ummm…..I don’t think so, Jack.
Thanks for the feedback…it’s very interesting to see things from the perspective of a flight attendant. Safety is definitely a priority over anything else. It’s so nice though that you take time out from your work to make a kid’s flight fun!
I didn’t know this was still allowed! Thanks so much for sharing. Will definitely be asking on my next trip!
We have just returned from Majorca and the flight attendant asked my 12 year old son if he would like to visit the cockpit before we took off. He was absolutely delighted and didn’t stop smiling all the way home. After we landed the pilot came out and shook his hand and said goodbye. An amazing memory for my son.
I can’t imagine any kid not loving that! So nice of the flight attendant and pilot to take time and make it an unforgettable flight for your son…what a great way to end your trip!
Good, before and after are better than not at all!
Still remember my trip from Heathrow (LHR) back to LAX on BA before 911 and was able to visit cockpit after crossing the Pond before landing. Was talking to both pilot & co-pilot for almost half-an-hour on avionic instruments and airplane while one of male attendants stood behind me during whole period of time probably for security reason. It was fun and enlightening. Much better than jamming in the chair and trying to sleep through the trip.