Hi,

Since some time now, I've been wondering what strategy different airlines use to assign exit row seats.
Quite often, it turns out to be impossible to select an exit row seat when using an automatic check-in machine or web check-in. In addition, when you have an exit row seat reserved, you get assigned to another seat by the machine .
I was once told by a GA in TXL that this is because the machine (or web interface) cannot decide whether or not you speak english (or German when flying LH, LX for instance) or have a leg in a cast.
This explanation, at first, seemed reasonable (so I used the normal check-in as much at possible), until in ZRH LX now forces Y passengers to use the automatic Check-in .
Already a few times I was a little annoyed to find a little old lady (no way she can open the emergency door) on the exit row without even wanting to be in that seat. In fact one of them, when the FA mentioned she could not have her bag in front of the seat, asked for another seat. This with enough tall sturdy young people around cramped in a normal seat (LX seats are pitched very short) .

Does anyone have a "strategy" or loop hole to get exit row seats more often?

Any ideas would be appreciated.
By the way I mainly fly LH/LX or other StarAlliance partners in eco class (company wants it so)

Thanks!