8. Cockpit Door Wasn’t Always Locked
Before the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in 2001, pilots often left cockpit doors unlocked or open, allowing occasional visitors to be invited inside. This practice facilitated communication between the flight deck and cabin crew. However, after the 9/11 attacks, reinforced, always-locked doors became an industry standard to prevent unauthorized access and enhance flight security. More on this evolution can be found at Time Magazine.
