When you’ve been locked out of the plane, it’s frustrating, to say the least. The good news is, because you’re still inside the airport, there are steps to ensure safe re-entry and get back in the air.
If the pilots do not have an extra set of keys, there are other options available if you are stuck in a locked plane. Two of these options are more time-consuming and costly, but one only requires an hour or two of your time.
Regaining Access When Locked Out of the Plane
The process for regaining access to a Toronto aircraft is dependent mostly on the type of plane.
Aircraft doors are sometimes fitted with small pin and tumbler cylinder locks which can be picked only by those who know how. For added security, many light plants also use wafer tumblers which can be easily opened if bumping with a key is necessary.
Find out more about lock bumping here.
Next, let’s talk about the ways to regain access to your plane.
Contact a reputable locksmith immediately.
There are multiple reasons why tampering with the lock on your plane can be a bad idea, even for those who have limited experience.
Locksmiths are equipped with all the necessary tools and experience that allow them to pick locks more accurately than homeowners, which results in a faster time for you to get back in. Even if they provide a new set of keys, you may still need to take them with you when leaving the house. When this happens, an emergency locksmith is available 24/7 in case being locked out becomes a problem.
When you contact a locksmith to open your locked luggage, remember that you need to provide proof of ownership for the luggage.
Contacting a locksmith is the most sensible option, because it’s quick and affordable.
Pick the Lock
Although it may be necessary for those who can not afford to wait or are unconcerned about property damage, using non-matching keys or flat-head screwdrivers to break the pins within locks is often ineffective. You may also want to bring a pair of pliers if the lock is larger.
If the aircraft has a non-pressurized cabin, as many do, perpetrators can also attempt to apply force directly to the lock mechanism in an effort to deform it and thus push it out of its housing.
If you absolutely need to gain entry, the door separating the cockpit from the passenger cabin is your best option to force open. If you really need to get inside the cockpit, opening the door separating the cockpit from the passenger cabin requires power tools which can cause costly damage.
Contact your regional service center.
If you can’t reach a flight attendant, call the regional service center yourself and they will provide you with new keys. The only downside is that the company may charge extra for a service visit, especially if they’re located far from your location. Contacting a local locksmith will help you avoid high rates, but it may take some time to arrive.
You should call Matrix Locksmith in Brampton on 416-877-9297 if you ever find yourself locked out of your plane. They are available 24/7 for your needs.
