Passenger Tries to Open Plane Door at 35,000 Feet—Here’s the Outcome

It’s one of the most alarming in-flight scenarios imaginable: a passenger attempting to open an aircraft door while the plane is cruising at altitude. Though the act itself is nearly impossible to execute due to aircraft design, the danger and disruption caused by such incidents are very real — and they’re happening more often than you might think.

A recent case in May 2025 grabbed national headlines when a woman aboard a Southwest Airlines flight allegedly tried to open the rear exit door mid-flight. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Oklahoma, the passenger became violent, shouting that she was going to leave the aircraft. As flight attendants attempted to restrain her, she reportedly kicked, spat at, and assaulted crew members, even managing to break through wrist restraints at one point.

The situation escalated to the point that the flight crew declared an emergency and diverted the aircraft to Oklahoma City, where police met the plane on the tarmac. The woman was taken into custody and now faces serious federal charges.

So, what actually happens in such cases? And is it truly possible to open a plane door mid-air?

The Physics of Aircraft Doors

Aviation safety experts reassure travelers that commercial aircraft doors are virtually impossible to open in flight. Due to the difference between cabin pressure and the lower outside air pressure at cruising altitude, aircraft doors are sealed shut. Most doors open inward first before being rotated outward, making it physically impossible to override the pressure seal while airborne.

Despite this, the attempt to open a door still poses a significant threat. The commotion can lead to panic, injury, and distraction for the crew during critical phases of flight. Interfering with crew members, especially when they are performing their safety duties, is a federal offense under U.S. law — punishable by up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $250,000.

Trained to Respond

Flight crews are thoroughly trained to handle a wide range of onboard emergencies, including passenger interference. Their goal is to de-escalate the situation swiftly, maintain cabin safety, and involve law enforcement when necessary. In this case, their prompt response helped prevent further danger and ensured the safety of everyone on board.

While it may sound like something out of a movie, incidents involving disruptive passengers are on the rise globally. Most airlines now emphasize passenger awareness, encouraging travelers to report unusual behavior early and support crew instructions without hesitation.

A Sobering Reminder

Though the threat of someone opening a plane door mid-flight is largely a myth, the risk posed by violent or erratic behavior at 35,000 feet is very real. These incidents underscore the importance of crew training, passenger cooperation, and strict legal consequences.

For airline crews, responding to such emergencies is all in a day’s work — and a testament to their critical role in maintaining safety in the skies.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, yahoo.com