[Pearls Before Swine]

They have keys.

Silly of me to overlook that. But, they might also have a deadbolt for extra security when someone is trying go get in. I don't know--maybe someone else can chime in on that.

Also, I note the article says the plane was at 7000 feet, which means the call was probably made after the excursion to 43000 feet, which may have largely disabled anyone on the passenger side of the door.

[deoetdoctrinae]

Just guessing, but I'd bet you are right about some additional lock being available inside the flight deck. Otherwise, it would seem that someone could overpower a flight crew member visiting the main cabin, and then use his key to gain access to the cockpit.

Or not, cause I'm not a pilot and have never played one on TV. ;) Like I said, I'm just guessing.

[Uncle Chip]

It would seem that the excursion to 45,000ft would have killed him if he was in the passenger compartment.

Is it possible that he may made the call at 45,000ft out of range and that it didn’t connect until it was in range and then only briefly???

[Pontiac]

They have keys.

A little drop of Super Glue will defeat a key in a couple of seconds.