Spoiler: It's not easy. In a shocking incident reminiscent of a nightmare, a passenger in South Korea opened the emergency door of an aircraft that was minutes from landing. The Asiana Airlines plane was flying from Jeju Island to Daegu when the door opened about 2,300 feet above ground.

In the history of modern pressurized aviation, it is physically impossible for a human to open a standard plug-style emergency exit while the aircraft is at cruise altitude. This is because the internal cabin pressure is much higher than the external atmospheric pressure, effectively "sealing" the door with thousands of pounds of force. However, there have been several incidents in recent years, including a notable 2023 Asiana Airlines flight, where a passenger opened the door during the final approach at a low altitude (approx. 700 feet) when the pressure differential was minimal. In 2026, aircraft manufacturers have introduced enhanced electronic locks that engage when the landing gear is retracted to further prevent such occurrences. While people have attempted to open doors mid-flight due to mental health crises or intoxication, they have never succeeded at high altitudes. The only exception in aviation history is the "D.B. Cooper" case in 1971, which involved a Boeing 727 with a rear "airstair" that could be lowered in flight—a design feature that was subsequently modified to prevent similar incidents.