This Is Why Pilots Leave the Cockpit Door Open

If you’ve ever looked toward the front of the plane while boarding a flight and noticed the flight deck door (also known as the cockpit door) wide open, you may have wondered why. After all, the flight deck is where all the airplane controls are, and it’s typically locked when the airplane is in flight. So, why is the door often left open during boarding? The reason behind it is actually pretty simple.

Critical Preflight Coordination

The final moments before a plane departs an airport are all about communication. Passengers rarely notice the exchange—unless they’re observant.

“Pilots and flight attendants are actively communicating about flight details, passenger count, fuel status, weather, and any last-minute changes,” says Corry Lane, director of safety at private jet charter company Cirrus Aviation Services.

Lane says that keeping the door open also helps pilots speak to each other and staff members more quickly before the flight deck is sealed for the ride.

“Ground crew, maintenance personnel, or dispatchers may need to enter the cockpit to deliver paperwork, update flight plans, or perform final checks,” he says. “Per (federal regulations), the cockpit door must be locked before pushback.”

The rule Lane is referring to is CFR 121.587which is a part of the Code of Federal Regulations, a series of guidelines that govern how airlines operate. This code requires the cockpit door to be secured for the duration of the flight once the aircraft is ready to leave the gate.

However, before the aircraft leaves the gate, having the door ajar is an essential way for flight attendants to keep the captain looped into what’s happening in the cabin.

“Pilots leave the door open during boarding because they’re handling their own duties and need to communicate,” explains flight attendant Venezia Macias. “They check in with gate agents and rampers about things like the baggage sheet for weight and balance, last-minute paperwork, or maintenance issues. They also stay open to us flight attendants in case there’s a problem in the cabin—like if we might need to remove a passenger. At the end of the day, the captain is in command and has the final say, so the open door helps keep that flow of communication moving before departure.”

It can be a bonus opportunity for passengers—sometimes.

That open cockpit door can occasionally present another opportunity for curious travelers: a quick peek inside. While it’s not common and never guaranteed, some airlines may allow a brief visit, especially if you’re traveling with children or have a genuine interest in aviation. However, the best time to ask is not during the boarding process but once you’ve landed at your gate. The visit is always at the crew’s discretion and subject to strict security rules, so consider it a pleasant surprise privilege rather than a right that you should expect.