Hi!! Hear it from a UAL guy: Access to the flight deck is governed by FAR 121.547. There are FAA requirements and in addition to that there are company policies. The FAR's don't allow any unauthorized people in the cockpit while the plane is operated. At UAL, not even a company flight attendant is allowed to occupy the cockpit jumpseat. The cockpit door must be locked while the plane is operated, that's FAA rule. The captain is as always the final authority as to who enters the flight deck, but even he/she will follow the laws and guidelines strictly. The only chance you have to be admitted to the flight deck is as what we call an OMC, Observer Member of the Crew. To do this, you Licensed Pilot (US) and be employed by a US certificated 121 or 135 carrier/company which has an agreement with UAL to comply with UAL/FAA requirements to do the OMC thing. Other companies who don't have an agreement with US: The captain is governed under the guideline that he/she must then have personal knowledge that the individual to verify compliance with the OMC requirements, that's what our flight operations manual states. The Feds really have taken most of the fun out of flying, haven't they???