Exactly what happens if you pull the emergency handle on plane door during a flight

Like when someone tells you not to laugh or not to touch something because it's hot, we'd be lying if we didn't say the temptation to pull a plane's emergency exit handle wasn't there as we soar at 30,000 feet.

2025 has been an unfortunate one for aviation disasters, and although there was only a minor injury when two Delta planes collided, there were no survivors when 67 people lost their lives in January's Potomac River collision. There's also been a lot of chatter about which is the 'safest' seat to sit in following June's Air India Flight 171 that claimed the lives of all but one of the 242 people on board.

Back in 2023, South Korea's Asiana Airlines had to stop selling emergency exit seats after one passenger tried to open the door as the plane was coming in to land. You might think that there are safety protocols in place to stop someone from opening a door mid-flight, but giving us something else for aerophobes to worry about, Zack D. Films has posted a video showing what would happen if you opened an emergency exit while flying.

Modern plane doors are much safer than you'd think (New Line Cinema)

Putting our fears at rest, the simulation confirms that while most assume the door would be ripped open and passengers would be sucked out like the OG Final Destination or LOST's Oceanic Flight 815, it's not the case.

Instead, the cabin pressure seals the door shut, meaning it’s impossible to open an emergency exit at a great height. Even though the doors are only designed to work when on the ground or close to it, even attempting to pull the lever will apparently sound alarms and alert the crew.

Unless you fancy having your flight diverted, probably being arrested, and ending up on a no-fly list, we'd advise leaving the emergency exit alone unless it's an actual emergency.

Modern airlines are fitted with 'plug doors' that open inward and swing upward, although the pressure stops emergency exits from opening.

If you were somehow able to open them, there would be a rapid loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks would be deployed, and there would be a dangerous, uncontrolled descent. It's true that there would likely be potential injury or death to anyone near the door, but thankfully, it's something we shouldn't have to worry about.

Replying to the video, one person reiterated: "It takes tons (the measurement ton) of power to open it. With the wind resistance, it was made for a couple ton will be needed. But if you do, everything will basically get sucked out."

Another added: "Pulling that lever won’t open the door, but it will open up a whole new world of life regrets."

A third concluded: "The flight will definitely be diverted for emergency landing, and you will go to jail, so don't try it, not worth the trouble you will get in."

So, don't let those intrusive thoughts ruin your next vacation if you find yourself sitting in the emergency exit.