[WeatherGuy]

Bigger question: Why would one pilot leave the cockpit 40 minutes into the flight?

[halo66]

Restroom...I’ve seen the pilot leave the cockpit several times once the plane is at cruising altitude.

[barmag25]

I see it on about half the flights I’m on. As soon as we reach cruising altitude and they set it on autopilot one of the pilots comes out to go to the first class restroom right by the cabin door.

I take a couple flights a week. Its common.

[Fester Chugabrew]

Why would one pilot leave the cockpit 40 minutes into the flight?

It would take little effort to fabricate a condition causing the pilot to exit the flight deck for a moment, especially if the other pilot is in on the ruse. "Hey. Karen wants to see you in back . . . alone."

[CodeToad]

“Why would one pilot leave the cockpit 40 minutes into the flight?”

Because the bar he was at didn’t have one?? (*ducking*)