Passenger Attempts to Open Plane Door Mid-Flight, Highlighting Rise in Unruly Passenger Incidents

A Japan Airlines flight traveling from Tokyo to Houston made an emergency landing in Seattle on May 24th, 2025, after a passenger attempted to open the emergency exit door mid-flight. While thankfully no one was injured, the incident highlights a concerning trend of increasing unruly passenger behavior. According to data presented by aviation safety expert Abbie Cheeseman, unruly passenger incidents reported by the FAA have spiked significantly since 2017, with a particularly sharp rise following the COVID-19 pandemic. "Even though incidents have gone down since then, they are still significantly higher than pre-pandemic," Cheeseman stated in a recent video discussing the issue. The incident also underscores the importance of understanding the physical limitations of opening airplane doors mid-flight. Cheeseman's video explains that the immense pressure difference between the cabin and the outside atmosphere makes it virtually impossible to open a door at cruising altitude. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of passenger safety and the need for continued efforts to address the growing issue of unruly passenger behavior. The FAA continues to monitor the situation and work towards solutions to ensure the safety and well-being of all air travelers.