Emily White Extra legroom and the high demand of exit row seats are accompanied with great responsibility and safety regulations. These seats are not randomly allocated to flight attendants; they consider all the passengers in the exit row before each and every flight. You will be transferred without exception, in case you fail to conform to the requirements. This is what flight attendants look into prior to giving out an exit row seat.
1. You Have to Be Physically Able to Open the Exit Door
The key one is that you should be able to lift the heavy emergency exit door (which may be 20-40 kg / 45-90 lbs) and toss it outside the plane. Flight attendants will visually assess your strength and mobility. Should you appear weak or old or even have blatant physical restrictions, then you will be redirected.
2. You Should Be at Least 15 Years Old
The exit rows in most airlines have passengers having the age of 15 years or above. Those below 15 years, children and teenagers are automatically disqualified, despite their height and strength being more than their age.
3. You Have to Know English (or the Operating Language)
You must know how to clearly interpret and obey commands of the crew in case of an emergency. In case you do not speak or understand the main language of the flight, you will be shifted.
4. You Should Not Have Mobility or Health Restrictions
No passengers who are limited in mobility, have new injuries, casts, are pregnant beyond a particular stage or have any condition that might slow them down in case of an emergency (they have severe anxiety or fear of flying) are permitted in exit rows. Flight attendants are trained to be able to identify these problems in a short time.
5. You Have to Be Able to Assist During an Emergency
Flight attendants will orally brief exit row passengers and inquire whether they are willing and able to help in the event of an emergency before the flight has taken off. In case you are hesitant, say no or appear to be uncertain, you will be availed a second time.
6. You Cannot Be Travelling with Little Children or Animals
When you are sitting with infants or young children or pets, you will not be permitted to sit in the exit row. Your dependents should not be your priority in case of an emergency as you should assist in opening the exit and evacuating other people.
7. You Shall Not Be Drunken or High
Flight attendants check for any signs of intoxication. In the event that you seem to be impaired, or have drunkenly heavily preceding boarding, you will be relocated off the exit row due to safety reasons.
8. Your Carry-On Should Not Obstruct the Exit
The flight attendants also check that there is no bag, coats or personal item that can be used as an obstacle to the emergency exit route. All carry-ons must be properly stowed before takeoff.
9. You Should Listen to the Safety Briefing
The safety demonstration is particularly observed by the flight attendants when it comes to the exit row passengers. When you are distracted, on your phone or not paying attention they may shift you to make sure you know what you are expected to do.
Bottom Line
The exit row seats are provided with the additional legroom although they are also accompanied with the real duties. Flight attendants are instructed to inspect each and every passenger on these seats prior to every takeoff. Failure to meet all the criteria would make you be very nicely but firmly relocated – no argument.
