Many of us in the miles & points world aren’t just into traveling, but are also aviation geeks. As an avgeek, there aren’t many places that are cooler to see than the cockpit of a big jet. In this post, I want to address a question I see every so often — can you still visit the cockpit when flying on an airline?
In this post:
Do airlines allow airplane cockpit visits?
For most airlines, long gone are the days where you can visit the flight deck inflight, and possibly even sit in the cockpit for takeoff and landing. The good news is that for the most part you can still visit cockpits, regardless of whether you’re traveling with a little kid, or just a little kid at heart.
There are a few things to keep in mind:
- It can never hurt to ask if you can visit the cockpit; just explain you’re an aviation geek and are fascinated by the plane, as the worst they can say is “no”
- For the most part, cockpit visits are at the captain’s discretion, so it’s all a function of how busy the pilots are, and what their comfort level is; they may be willing to let you visit before the flight, after the flight, or not at all
- If you do get to visit the cockpit, be mindful of the pilots’ time, and get the hint if they want you to leave; some pilots may be super chatty and keep you up for a while, while others may only have a spare minute
- Ask before snapping pictures, as some airlines allow cockpit visits but don’t allow photos in the cockpit
It’s worth noting, however, that the policy for cockpit visits varies by airline. For example, last I heard:
- Qatar Airways has a strict policy against passengers visiting the cockpit, including before and after the flight
- Emirates has a policy where you can visit the cockpit at the captain’s discretion, though only after the flight, since they’re busy before departure
- Other airlines (like American, British Airways, Delta, etc.) allow cockpit visits at anytime while at the gate, at the captain’s discretion
In general I’ve found airlines in the United States and Europe to be extremely accommodating of cockpit visits. Heck, Delta even gives pilots trading cards that they can distribute to passengers, clearly intended to encourage this kind of interaction. In other parts of the world, I’ve found it to be a bit more hit-or-miss, as sometimes there’s confusion about why an adult would want to visit the cockpit.
Some fun airline cockpit visits I’ve had
Personally, I don’t usually ask to visit the cockpit, since at this point I’ve been in the flight deck of most types of planes. Nonetheless, I figured I’d share a couple of fun experiences I’ve had.
Maybe 15 years ago, I was on a Thai Airways flight, and asked the flight attendant if I might be able to visit the cockpit after landing. To my surprise, she returned 10 minutes later and said “how would you like to visit now?” I was floored, and spent about 20 minutes in the cockpit while we were enroute to Bangkok. It almost felt scandalous, given that I was so used to the post-9/11 security mentality.
Also, this goes back a lot longer than that, but my cousin used to be a captain for a German airline that no longer exists. When I was a teenager, he once invited me to fly along with him for the entire day in the jumpseat (and for the record, this was totally within the carrier’s rules — the captain could invite someone to sit in the jumpseat). We flew a total of four segments, and suffice it to say that as an avgeek, that was possibly my coolest flying experience ever.
Bottom line
Despite all the security procedures in place nowadays, cockpit visits are still very much possible on most airlines. Just be sure you ask the flight attendant first, and be ready to take “no” for an answer if the pilots are busy and/or not very social. If you are invited, be mindful of the pilots’ time, and ask before snapping pictures.
What has your experience been with visiting cockpits on flights?
My daughter and I were invited by the captain of a QR flight to visit the cockpit on arrival in DOH in 2023.. perhaps the policy has changed since then.
Think I have done it more than once. I Know I visited the flight deck on a CX 777 flying out of Hong Kong. The crew was very nice. I was told no on a SQ flight. I typically only ask if I am flying in F, because the crew has a bit more time in the F cabin and I'm close to the flight deck already. I think a lot of captains understand the adults who are into aviation.
"I think a lot of captains understand the adults who are into aviation."
I second that!
Had a flight on the EY A380 just after they had reactivated them a couple years back, so I figured I'd ask the crew if I could quickly visit after landing in AUH since who knows when I'd be on the 380 next. Luckily, the captain was okay with it, and I even got to geek out with him a little since he had actually flown the delivery flight for EY's first 380!
I finally asked on my 1M flight on United on a 787 and it was awesome. The pilots were fantastic and I got a great photo in the Captain’s seat.
My best cockpit memory was in Australia on Impulse Airlines, pre-9/11. I was airborne on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and the copilot just finished welcoming us aboard his 717 aircraft. When he finished his announcement I asked the flight attendant if he was American, because his voice was definitely not one of an Aussie! I was told that he was actually a Canadian and she asked me if I would like to go...
My best cockpit memory was in Australia on Impulse Airlines, pre-9/11. I was airborne on a flight from Sydney to Melbourne and the copilot just finished welcoming us aboard his 717 aircraft. When he finished his announcement I asked the flight attendant if he was American, because his voice was definitely not one of an Aussie! I was told that he was actually a Canadian and she asked me if I would like to go up to the cockpit? Hell yeah! I walked up to the cockpit, sat in the jump seat and watch them do their job. After about a half hour of asking questions and observing, I thought it would be best that I go back to my seat. The pilot said "are you sure you want to do that? We're going to be landing in 15 minutes". After an offer like that, there was no way I could go back to my window seat. Wide-eyed, I sat and watch them land the plane and taxi to the gate. Impulse Airlines was later bought by Qantas and the parrot painted on their tail is now a distant memory. However, that short one-hour flight was the best one I think I've ever been on!
A number of years ago, I was allowed to sit in the FO's seat on a NW A320 prior to departure while the Captain entered data into the FMS as he explained what he was doing. Pretty cool.
Back in the 90s, as a private pilot and avgeek, I used to subscribe to an aviation ‘magazine’ that was delivered in video cassettes. One of my favourite part-time presenters was a TWA pilot called Barry Schiff. Lo and behold I and and avgeek friend found ourselves on an L1011 from LAX to HNL when we heard captain Barry greet the passengers on the intercom. We told a flight attendant that we were his fans....
Back in the 90s, as a private pilot and avgeek, I used to subscribe to an aviation ‘magazine’ that was delivered in video cassettes. One of my favourite part-time presenters was a TWA pilot called Barry Schiff. Lo and behold I and and avgeek friend found ourselves on an L1011 from LAX to HNL when we heard captain Barry greet the passengers on the intercom. We told a flight attendant that we were his fans. The super friendly Barry promptly invited us to the cockpit and let us occupy jump seats during the taxiing to the runway (but had us leave for the takeoff, unfortunately.) Still, it was a very memorable trip!
My two best memories...
1. Druk Air. A friend of mine was connected to the royal family and got me permission in 2006 to sit in the jump seat on a flight to Kathmandu from Paro. One of the most fantastic experiences you can imagine.
2. The "old days" in the 90's when you could redeem USAir points for Concorde flights. They sometimes would leave the cockpit door open during the flight and you could...
My two best memories...
1. Druk Air. A friend of mine was connected to the royal family and got me permission in 2006 to sit in the jump seat on a flight to Kathmandu from Paro. One of the most fantastic experiences you can imagine.
2. The "old days" in the 90's when you could redeem USAir points for Concorde flights. They sometimes would leave the cockpit door open during the flight and you could stroll in and say hi. It was so casual and fun. It was shocking for me as a really young guy then that the pilots of a Concorde were all reading newspapers at cruising altitude.
In 2004 I was on a Continental 777 Air Mobility Command charter from Ft Bliss TX over to Iraq, once at cruise they invited anyone to come up front for a visit. Yes, way, and I got to sit in the right seat! No one believed me until I shared the photo.
After retirement over the past seven or eight years I've had good luck with United and once on Lufthansa (my only A380...
In 2004 I was on a Continental 777 Air Mobility Command charter from Ft Bliss TX over to Iraq, once at cruise they invited anyone to come up front for a visit. Yes, way, and I got to sit in the right seat! No one believed me until I shared the photo.
After retirement over the past seven or eight years I've had good luck with United and once on Lufthansa (my only A380 flight!). Like comedy, timing is everything. Sometimes they're busy before departure, sometimes not. I'm United 1K and sit up at the pointy end, that can't hurt. Inflight I don't even ask.
I always ask the flight attendants during boarding. The only time I asked the cockpit crew directly was when I walked up the jet way same time as the 767 Captain. He said "Sure." Sometimes I mention I have about 550 hours in single engine Cessnas, some of them leaned to fly in the same model.
I'm 74 years old, but once in the cockpit I turn into a gushing teenager.
Here's wishing you more happy and healthy years ahead
Back in the 80's I was invited up on a positioning flight & stayed there until landing. Of course I worked for the airline in question so the captain knew me. Quite the experience.
It's not just Delta that gives out the trading cards! United pilot not only invited my kid into the cockpit but gave him a 737-800 trading card. Also allowed me to take a pic. Really nice.
In 2012 I had just flown on Qantas first class from LAX to SYD. I had asked one of the flight attendants if they could check with the Captain to see if I could visit cockpit after we landed. I was granted a visit and was able to sit in the left seat! I still have a picture of that event. Probably my best flight ever and my first international 1st class flight.
Boy was Qantas nice in 2012.
The key is having a kid with you who wants to do it…never fails
Agree … my 8 and 5-year old Grands always get a warm welcome on the flight deck while deplaning (if their mom or dad or I ask nicely).
It is Okay as long as it is Air India and you promise not to Turn Off the Fuel Switches !
My first was on United’s First 787-8 on proving rum ERW IAH SFO RT. I brought small plush airplanes for the crew. Captain was in good mood. Taught me about left hand on Yoke, right on Throttles.
November, 2000, returning from a trip to Tasmania. We were upstairs on a 747-400, on the SYD/LAX leg. Our seats were 40’ from the cockpit. The Captain was chatting with us, and we asked if we could visit the cockpit. He said that he was busy then, but not to deplane at LAX and he would come and get us. He did, and my wife and I got to sit I the Pilot and Copilot...
November, 2000, returning from a trip to Tasmania. We were upstairs on a 747-400, on the SYD/LAX leg. Our seats were 40’ from the cockpit. The Captain was chatting with us, and we asked if we could visit the cockpit. He said that he was busy then, but not to deplane at LAX and he would come and get us. He did, and my wife and I got to sit I the Pilot and Copilot seats, wearing their hats. We were the two happiest 51 year olds, in the world. The photo of us is one of our faves. A splendid moment on UAL!
I've had some fun (but brief) experiences chatting with pilots and taking photos of various aircraft on Delta Air Lines flights over the past few years. Also, on Hawaiian Airlines, I got to visit the cockpit/flight deck of an Airbus A330, plus one of their new Boeing 787-9s. (I always asked a flight attendant first.) The coolest experience was before a Hawaiian Airlines flight on the A330 when the First Officer actually invited me to...
I've had some fun (but brief) experiences chatting with pilots and taking photos of various aircraft on Delta Air Lines flights over the past few years. Also, on Hawaiian Airlines, I got to visit the cockpit/flight deck of an Airbus A330, plus one of their new Boeing 787-9s. (I always asked a flight attendant first.) The coolest experience was before a Hawaiian Airlines flight on the A330 when the First Officer actually invited me to sit in his seat so he could take a couple of photos of me with my phone! That was in 2023, and it feels like I'll never get to repeat anything like that.... Also, I've noticed that on U.S. Airlines, the cockpit door is usually open while the plane is at the gate before departure, however, maybe not on other countries' airlines? Last year I flew on a Lufthansa Boeing 747-8i (my first flight ever) on the upper deck, and I noticed that the cockpit door was closed during boarding and later during deplaning, so I didn't bother asking if I could visit the flight deck. The door being closed was a big discouragement, plus the flight attendants were super busy.
Airline pilot in the US here…..always ask! I love having visitors in the cockpit and if I see someone glancing I’m always try to share an invite! Kids coming in is cool but I find it just as fun to have an adult come in—it’s funny to see how excited a 40+ yr old gets!!
During boarding it depends how close we are to departure, deplaning we usually have more time but always kind...
Airline pilot in the US here…..always ask! I love having visitors in the cockpit and if I see someone glancing I’m always try to share an invite! Kids coming in is cool but I find it just as fun to have an adult come in—it’s funny to see how excited a 40+ yr old gets!!
During boarding it depends how close we are to departure, deplaning we usually have more time but always kind of depends, doesn’t hurt to ask.
If you ever get an unwelcoming visit, don’t take it personally. Some pilots just aren’t as sociable/introverted (trust me I fly with some of them), but most are more than happy to show you around!
I always try to make an effort to walk down aisles during delays or gate area and talk to the passengers and answer questions.
Its a big deal to see the cockpit for those of us who didn't go into aviation as a career choice. Those few minutes can make for a once in a lifetime experience.
Back in the pre-911 era, around 1999 while on a business trip, I was flying into a city (forgot which) in South Africa aboard that nation's carrier. I was in a first class seat not far back from the cockpit door, which was open so nearby passengers could see right through. Noticing my continued staring in that direction, the cabin flight attendant approached me and asked if I would like to come sit in the...
Back in the pre-911 era, around 1999 while on a business trip, I was flying into a city (forgot which) in South Africa aboard that nation's carrier. I was in a first class seat not far back from the cockpit door, which was open so nearby passengers could see right through. Noticing my continued staring in that direction, the cabin flight attendant approached me and asked if I would like to come sit in the cockpit. Happily accepting, I moved to a jump seat behind the pilot and first officer, who - unknown to me - were about to get ready to land. After some small talk, the pilot advised me of the upcoming landing and to remain silent for the duration of the flight. I of course complied, and was treated to an eye opening downward descent and smooth touchdown on the runway, and remained in the jump seat until the aircraft stopped at the gate. An unforgettable memory!
My first visit was on a Continental 737 during a delay when the captain encouraged any one interested to come on up. Also got to visit a Qantas 747 cockpit. I asked prior to take off from LAX to JFK. The flight attendant asked for my passport and came back saying I could visit after landing at JFK. Sure enough, I was invited up and the captain was very nice and chatty. Once on an...
My first visit was on a Continental 737 during a delay when the captain encouraged any one interested to come on up. Also got to visit a Qantas 747 cockpit. I asked prior to take off from LAX to JFK. The flight attendant asked for my passport and came back saying I could visit after landing at JFK. Sure enough, I was invited up and the captain was very nice and chatty. Once on an Iberia flight from MAD to JFK, I asked the flight attendant but I guess I waited too long as she said they were preparing for descent and to ask earlier in the flight next time. This was pre 9/11 so doubt this is still allowed.
When we used to live in the UK in the 1990s, and flew home (another European country) twice a year, on one occasion the captain of our national airline let my 10 year old son sit in the cockpit even during landing.
When we moved to the US and kept flying home again twice a year, the captains of the all the US airlines we flew on (DL, CO, NW, UA, AA) always gave...
When we used to live in the UK in the 1990s, and flew home (another European country) twice a year, on one occasion the captain of our national airline let my 10 year old son sit in the cockpit even during landing.
When we moved to the US and kept flying home again twice a year, the captains of the all the US airlines we flew on (DL, CO, NW, UA, AA) always gave my son (who was an AV geek even at that young age) flight maps where they (cockpit crew) marked all kinds of interesting things, and everyone in the cockpit signed those flight maps. My son, who is an adult now, still treasures those flight maps.
Though I worked in airline
I never approached any captain to have a glimpse of the cockpit
I have seen empty 747 707 in Engg maintenance hangar while handing over
Engineering teletype message from
LHR engineer re issues in the flight
I don’t ask bec of world situations
T captains are terribly busy prior to
Departure he has to do calculations
Pax bagg mails fuels uplifted
...
Though I worked in airline
I never approached any captain to have a glimpse of the cockpit
I have seen empty 747 707 in Engg maintenance hangar while handing over
Engineering teletype message from
LHR engineer re issues in the flight
I don’t ask bec of world situations
T captains are terribly busy prior to
Departure he has to do calculations
Pax bagg mails fuels uplifted
Review the load sheets and other
Briefings s from flight f dispatch managers flight plans weather conditions etc cannot ask for
Permission
I weirdly enough was invited into a 787 cockpit on an overseas flight to CDG back in May as we were cruising over the atlantic. Never would've been allowed on a US carrier.
While at the gate on a Cathay Pacific flight from New York to Hong Kong, I asked the flight attendant if I could take pictures. She said she would ask the captain. She returned a few minutes later and said I could come to the cockpit.
Gulp. I was just asking for permission to take pictures of the Business Class cabin and my seat! But I followed her...
The captain could not have been nicer....
While at the gate on a Cathay Pacific flight from New York to Hong Kong, I asked the flight attendant if I could take pictures. She said she would ask the captain. She returned a few minutes later and said I could come to the cockpit.
Gulp. I was just asking for permission to take pictures of the Business Class cabin and my seat! But I followed her...
The captain could not have been nicer. He pointed out all of the equipment and explained what it does. He showed me the elliptical route we would fly over Canada, crossing the Arctic Circle, and then coming down over Siberia. He even let me sit in his seat and took my picture. To top it all off, he gave me a "wings" pin, a card with interesting airplane statistics, and a piece of candy. [I was in my 40s but became an awe-struck kid.]
I do not know if that would be possible anymore but Cathay remains my favorite airline to this day. That cockpit visit might be the most memorable flying experience I have had in 133 countries visited.
PS - I also visited the cockpit on a Buddha Air flight in Nepal. The "Everest Experience" planes are small. Everyone gets a window seat and an opportunity to visit the cockpit. I was fortunate for it to be my turn as we banked toward Mt. Everest. The pilot and co-pilot ducked their heads so I could get the best picture. I facetiously asked the captain if he could ever get tired of the view and understood when he said, "Never."
I was allowed to sit in the cockpit after the flight last year on Tim Dunn's airline
Emirates policy is that at no time will any persons not authorized have access to the flight deck.
I assume the defunct German airline in question wasn't Interflug... bet that would've made for quite the cockpit experience.
Air Berlin USA is my guess.
The word “cockpit” will never cease to be funny to me.
plus infinity to this (and great name)
Back in the '80s when SAS still invited children to visit the cockpit during the flight, my 6 year old didn't care, but her father and I did, so we jumped at the opportunity and spent some time in the cockpit of a DC-10 flying over North America. At the time there was a volcanic eruption further north, can't remember where, possibly WA.