Smoker tried to open plane door

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-p ... 456076.stm

A French woman has admitted attempting to open an airplane door mid-flight so that she could smoke a cigarette.
Sandrine Helene Sellies, 34, who has a fear of flying, had drunk alcohol and taken sleeping tablets ahead of the flight from Hong Kong to Brisbane.

She was seen on the Cathay Pacific plane walking towards a door with an unlit cigarette and a lighter.

She then began tampering with the emergency exit until she was stopped by a flight attendant.

Humm.[:?]400 quid fine, suspended on good behaviour. Makes it almost worthwhile having a go at opening the door to have a fag. Hang on, no, that's silly - there's no where to go outside! Much better to open the window and stick your head out for a quick puff.

Would have been a different story in the US Ð she'd currently be in Gitmo, following a 'warm' welcome from the TSA [B)]

The stupid muppet....

Dean

[RichardMannion]

I agree with Dean's sentiments and I think the fine was far too lenient. Talk about common sense and stupidity.

Thanks,
Richard

AFAIK it is impossible for a person of normal strength to open a cabin door whilst in flight due to the difference in pressures. Is this correct?

Paul

Yep, doors open inward and are effectively a plug, so the higher pressure inside ensures that it is pretty much impossible to open an exit in flight.

BC

Although what she tried to do was pretty much without risk, there is a principle involved. After all, if she was so dumb and drunk to think she could go outside for a smoke, then one has to presume she would have happily have had a fag in the heads and presumably would have thrown the dog end in the trash. The rules are very clear, and I really cannot imagine a defense to the charges bought (although no detail of the case was given). I too think she got off lightly.