Being in the area next to the cockpit

[RooFlyer]

We probably all know to some level the prohibition of congregating in the area of the aircraft leading to the cockpit. Usually a galley and toilets are here. I always thought the operative word was 'congregate' - ie more than 1 pax standing in this area isn't allowed (although there often seems to be a level f tolerance for J pax at least in many cases).

I had an experience on AC from LHR to YYC the other day which left me kinda annoyed and I'd welcome other's comments.

During long haul, I like to do some modest stretches a couple of times and I usually go some-where out of the way of the FAs and where i won't bug other passengers. Flying J, this is usually on the stairs in a 747 or in the front door space on 777s and 767. Never ever had an issue, (including on ACs 777 across the Pacific) and usually end up chatting to FAs who are sypathetic to pax needing a stretch. JAL even provide a little foot massager in this area for pax use.

Anyway, on this AC flight when I did this the first time, a FA came up and said "You know you shouldn't be here". "Since 9/11 no-one is allowed here unless a FA is also here". She agreed to let me do my stretches, but stood there, holding a tray, watching me. This had the desired effect of making me very uncomfortable and I quickly left.

Later in the flight, when I saw one of the other FAs in the area (shall we say a more mature lady) I went up and, thinking I was within the rulles (as she was there), started some more much needed stretches. No other pax were there.

Well, this wasn't tolerated, was it. Brusquely told me that I'd have to 'go down the back to do that'. I said sorry, I thought it was OK if a FA was here ... her reply, again quite curt was "Well, I might be serving the cockpit, mightn't I, so you have to go now". Again, I was not in her way, in the door area and there was no prospect of a meal servce being prepared.

As one of the people up in the air, I don't mind security measures at all. But this seemed both more draconian policy than many other other airlines I have flown in biz recently (including AC!) and certainly the attitude of the FAs wasn't appreciated.

Is the AC policy in this regard more strict than others? Or did I just come across a couple of FAs having a bad flight?

[YZF_Elite]

My experience has been that if they're servicing the cockpit, they're right to politely ask you to return to your seat...otherwise they're just being grumpy. It may very well be policy, but certainly not uniformly enforced.

[HerpaYvr]

I know when flying on UA/US they are nuts about keeping that area clear and when a pilot leaves their cockpit a crew member replaces them while another crew members blocks access with the trolley after they change into their combat F/A outfits and apply some cam stick to their faces, review their check list and put their hair in a bun!

AC has always been mellow about this. I have always hung out up front or back when stretching and I think only once a young F/A did say that I can’t be here and I said sure I can and smiled with my big teeth and she backed away. Usually when up front most of the good and friendly F/A who enjoy working with people will talk with me so no issues!

[global_happy_traveller]

my experience is if your talking to the SD then u can stay there..... if not, your not allowed there..... also on some planes like 777 there are security cameras

[djjaguar64]

My question to you is what do you look like, besides having 2 ears, and 2 arms and 2 legs, you get my drift.

[xLuther]

Pretty much stay away from cockpit door since 9/11 it's given on USA carriers, in Canada not as enforced but since we fly over USA airspace same thing applies.

[RooFlyer]

Originally Posted by xLuther

Pretty much stay away from cockpit door since 9/11 it's given on USA carriers, in Canada not as enforced but since we fly over USA airspace same thing applies.

OK, get that, except in this case:
* Toilets are in that area of the aircraft, so total exclusion obviously doesn't apply
* FA initially said it was OK to be there, as long as one of the FAs was also present

Obviously I will always comply with any FA directions; I was just seeking any clarification of actual rules on AC and venting a bit on the attitude of the FAs on this flight.

BTW: On QF flights to USA, there is always an announcement early in the flight to the effect that "US FAA require passengers not to congregate in areas near toilets .... so dn't do it please ". (Its not observed very strictly). That announcement is obviously required to be made by the FAA as a condition of QF using US airspace. It doesn't say a single pax can't be there.

[RCyyz]

I think the OP came across a flight with some grumpy/bad FAs. Most of the time I've never had an issue just standing there, waiting for the bathroom to become available. And occasionally I like to peek out the small window of the door just to watch the clouds roll by below. As long as you're not in the way, I personally don't see what the problem is. And most times, I think most FAs take a similar approach.

[xLuther]

It's assumed even if FA is there, if the cockpit door is going to be opened you are not to be there unless flight crew allows you. She "allowed " you to be there probably to be nice and because they did not expect pilots to come out.

This all common sense stuff, you can't hang around the cockpit door as a passenger, period. If washroom is there, Use it and leave just a fact of life in NA since 9/11

[pmaclell]

The real problem is that the FA's like to have this area clear so they can sit down (nearby) and sleep or something. And they don't want those annoying people who pay their salary (passengers) to see them.

[The Lev]

Originally Posted by xLuther

This all common sense stuff...

You are assuming that all this post 9/11 stuff makes "common sense".

[xLuther]

Originally Posted by The Lev

You are assuming that all this post 9/11 stuff makes "common sense".

It is what it is, complaining about things that won't change is a waste of time. Me I have better wind mills to tilt at.

Reinforced doors on cockpits, pilots caring handguns in the USA it is what it is. No liquids over a certain amount, shoes off at security, none of it makes sense in big picture. But common sense tells you that you lose if you fight it, period.

Common sense tells you stay away from cockpit doors, it's not a prudent or wise thing to do post 9/11

[WestonC]

I have no clue if its a rule on AC like the fear mongering American owned airlines but I often chat with FA's in that area. When I get up for my walks or use the loo, I often strike up a conversation with an FA if they are not busy. I've never been told to leave.

I agree with one comment above about smiling. I always smile with an FA and they have even invited me to hang around and chat. Ill see how it goes this week on my flight to Zurich. Ill try to remember to feed back here.

And I disagree. It is not common sense. To think it is common sense to quickly get in and move away from a cockpit door shows that the 9/11 (get over it already) attitude and fear mongering has been instilled in some folks. Sad.

[yscleo]

Originally Posted by djjaguar64

My question to you is what do you look like, besides having 2 ears, and 2 arms and 2 legs, you get my drift.

That reminds me. Put a hat on to hide my horns when I go to those restricted areas.

[AC888]

Policy question aside, I don't think the FAs' (especially the second FA's) attitude was necessary. But then again, maybe I've become spoiled flying mostly SQ/NH/CX these days.