US (and other airlines) many times make such a big deal about not assigning exit row seats until check in. Last Tuesday I was on a short PHL-AVP flight and they put a couple in the exit row who had to be a minimum of 87 years old. If anything, I'm underestimating their ages. Small children would have been more capable in an emergency. I'm sorry I didn't say something.

Exit row requirements do not specify a maximum age, only a minimum.

Elites may select exit row seats upon booking with US Airways.

Exit row requirements do not specify a maximum age, only a minimum.

Elites may select exit row seats upon booking with US Airways.

They not always can select these seats. Many times in the middle of the plane an elite can select an exit, but the front exit rows are almost always blocked off from my experience, at least on the flights I've been on recently.

It just seems like common sense that they would not put someone who is not physically capable in those seats. I've seen them remove a family who didn't speak English from an exit row.

They not always can select these seats. Many times in the middle of the plane an elite can select an exit, but the front exit rows are almost always blocked off from my experience, at least on the flights I've been on recently.

It just seems like common sense that they would not put someone who is not physically capable in those seats. I've seen them remove a family who didn't speak English from an exit row.

I'm not sure what you mean by "front exit row". What model of plane was it? Sometimes row 1 behind the bulkhead is not an exit row (example - CRJ).

I would assume "they" (the F/A?) checked with the couple to make sure they were exit row capable before seating them in an exit row. But just because they appear "old" does not mean they are not capable.

They not always can select these seats. Many times in the middle of the plane an elite can select an exit, but the front exit rows are almost always blocked off from my experience, at least on the flights I've been on recently.

It just seems like common sense that they would not put someone who is not physically capable in those seats. I've seen them remove a family who didn't speak English from an exit row.

According to the FAA they must be able to understand English. Whenever I have been sitting in an exit row I was always asked if I would be capable of opening the door, helping others, etc.

My best lines to FAs after being asked that question:

"No, I will not be capable of helping others, because in the event of an emergency once I open the door I'm not going to be here anymore. Heroes may be cool, cowards live longer"

"Yes, I could probably help, but in case of a real emergency nobody would want to come near me due to the smell of the crap in my pants"

And on the way to Las Vegas:

"I'm go to LV on vacation, I'll save the pretty female passengers, you get the rest"

-Dave

I'm not sure what you mean by "front exit row". What model of plane was it? Sometimes row 1 behind the bulkhead is not an exit row (example - CRJ).

I was referring to the A 333. Row 6 is always blocked off in my experience. In the CRJ an elite can select the exit row seat.

And, Me4yankees, you're right. The FA always asks those seated in exit rows to ask to be moved if they feel they are not capable of assisting others in an emergency. I should know these words verbatim, but don't.

I was referring to the A 333. Row 6 is always blocked off in my experience. In the CRJ an elite can select the exit row seat.

And, Me4yankees, you're right. The FA always asks those seated in exit rows to ask to be moved if they feel they are not capable of assisting others in an emergency. I should know these words verbatim, but don't.

If you are referring to the A330, row 6 is not an emergency exit row. It is just a bulkhead and they will usually try to assign those seats to people with infants because the bassinets can be attached to the wall in that row.
F/a's are supposed to be visually and verbally accessing the exit rows on every flight. Even if some one says they are willing to perform the duties a f/a can still move them if they feel they are not up to the task.

If you are referring to the A330, row 6 is not an emergency exit row. It is just a bulkhead and they will usually try to assign those seats to people with infants because the bassinets can be attached to the wall in that row.
F/a's are supposed to be visually and verbally accessing the exit rows on every flight. Even if some one says they are willing to perform the duties a f/a can still move them if they feel they are not up to the task.

Thanks for that clarification. I always thought they were considered exit rows since the exit is next to the closet ahead of row 6.

Exit row requirements do not specify a maximum age, only a minimum.

Elites may select exit row seats upon booking with US Airways.

If I were old, and had mobility problems, I would not want the responsibilty of saving others in the event of a crash. As far as I am aware, occupants of the exit row have to be physically able to assist in an emergency. So, if I were an older passenger, I would not wany to sit there! And FAs should be able to politely ask me to move. If I get to that age, I don't think I would object either!

If I were old, and had mobility problems, I would not want the responsibilty of saving others in the event of a crash. As far as I am aware, occupants of the exit row have to be physically able to assist in an emergency. So, if I were an older passenger, I would not wany to sit there! And FAs should be able to politely ask me to move. If I get to that age, I don't think I would object either!

Since when did being older equate to being unable to physically assist?? There are many older travelers capable of hearing, seeing, and moving well enough to open an exit door!

As I said in an earlier post, it appeared that the passengers were seated by an F/A and I assume she/he did her/his job by inquiring about their exit row qualifications and placing them appropriately.

Since when did being older equate to being unable to physically assist?? There are many older travelers capable of hearing, seeing, and moving well enough to open an exit door!

As I said in an earlier post, it appeared that the passengers were seated by an F/A and I assume she/he did her/his job by inquiring about their exit row qualifications and placing them appropriately.

Yes, but you have to draw the line somewhere. There are plenty of 14 year old boys out there who would be fine to operate an exit row, but the law says that they can't.
Neither being 13-14 years old, nor 80 years old, is a preclusion from being able to operate an emergency exit. However, old people have a much stronger political lobby than young teenagers ^

Yes, but you have to draw the line somewhere. There are plenty of 14 year old boys out there who would be fine to operate an exit row, but the law says that they can't.
Neither being 13-14 years old, nor 80 years old, is a preclusion from being able to operate an emergency exit. However, old people have a much stronger political lobby than young teenagers ^

What I am saying is that as the regulations read now, there is a minimum age (15), but no maximum age. The final "ruling" must be made by the FAs, who must assess those passengers sitting there and decide whether they are physically able enough, understand and communicate English well enough, etc.

I believe the age of 15 is random, but I guess the powers that be determined that (most?) 15 year olds might be mature enough, physically capable of, and communicate English well enough to sit there. Being a college professor, I would beg to differ on the English communication capability of some 15 year olds! LOL! :D

Since when did being older equate to being unable to physically assist?? There are many older travelers capable of hearing, seeing, and moving well enough to open an exit door!

As I said in an earlier post, it appeared that the passengers were seated by an F/A and I assume she/he did her/his job by inquiring about their exit row qualifications and placing them appropriately.

Agree on age not a good measure of abilities. Some 72 Japanese guy reached the peak of Mt. Everest just a couple of of months ago, I'm half his age and I doubt I can make it to advanced base camp.

One point I'm curious about is the FAs making sure the pax at exit rows can perform the task. They always read the "you must be willing and able to ........." drill and ask for verbal confirmation but do they really assess the passenger based on appearance? I've seen some VERY overweight passengers and some octogenarians on the exit row. Both have significant trouble just getting up from their seats, pulling the seat back in front till it looked like it was gonna snap or struggling just to stand up and walking very gingerly to the lav leaning on every headrest along the way.

Doesn't happen often but I have seen them. If FAs are suppose to identify and remove potentially unqualified persons, that's pretty tough to do though it is the right thing to do. I have heard one such elderly passenger remark "she's nuts if she things I'm giving up my exit row, when was the last time they had to open this thing?" after the briefing. He couldn't even stand straight but speaks and understands English perfectly so long as his hearing aid was working.

understands English perfectly so long as his hearing aid was working.

Ironically, hearing aids are expressly permitted.....

Here's the list of disqualifications for sitting in the exit row, straight from the FAR's:

(1) The person lacks sufficient mobility, strength, or dexterity in both arms and hands, and both legs:

(i) To reach upward, sideways, and downward to the location of emergency exit and exit-slide operating mechanisms;

(ii) To grasp and push, pull, turn, or otherwise manipulate those mechanisms;

(iii) To push, shove, pull, or otherwise open emergency exits;

(iv) To lift out, hold, deposit on nearby seats, or maneuver over the seatbacks to the next row objects the size and weight of over-wing window exit doors;

(v) To remove obstructions similar in size and weight to over-wing exit doors;

(vi) To reach the emergency exit expeditiously;

(vii) To maintain balance while removing obstructions;

(viii) To exit expeditiously;

(ix) To stabilize an escape slide after deployment; or

(x) To assist others in getting off an escape slide

(2) The person is less than 15 years of age or lacks the capacity to perform one or more of the applicable functions listed in paragraph (d) of this section without the assistance of an adult companion, parent, or other relative;

(3) The person lacks the ability to read and understand instructions required by this section and related to emergency evacuation provided by the certificate holder in printed or graphic form or the ability to understand oral crew commands.

(4) The person lacks sufficient visual capacity to perform one or more of the applicable functions in paragraph (d) of this section without the assistance of visual aids beyond contact lenses or eyeglasses;

(5) The person lacks sufficient aural capacity to hear and understand instructions shouted by flight attendants, without assistance beyond a hearing aid;

(6) The person lacks the ability adequately to impart information orally to other passengers; or,

(7) The person has:

(i) A condition or responsibilities, such as caring for small children, that might prevent the person from performing one or more of the applicable functions listed in paragraph (d) of this section; or

(ii) A condition that might cause the person harm if he or she performs one or more of the applicable functions listed in paragraph (d) of this section.

Jim

Anyone who wants to drive a FA crazy can quote FAR part 135.129 and ask how the person seated in the exit row is going to be able to maintain balance and lift a 50 lb or so dead weight and deposit it on nearby seats as required by Federal regulations.

I would classify people in their mid-eighties to be unqualified. Unless its Jack Lalane I wouldn't think they can do much in the way of expiditing an evacuation.