How long has this quizzing in the exit row thing been going on? It happened a few times starting in maybe August, but now I've had it on 6+ flights all in the exit row. I told my buddy who is a UAL elite and he said the same thing.

Is it a new FAA policy or just an AA thing?

Maybe this has been covered, but in additional detail, FAs are now asking random questions to various people in exit rows to determine if they're qualified. They generally pick on the person who is paying the least attention or is on a phone, blackberry, etc.

Sample question: "What's a good reason not to open an emergency exit in the event of an emergency."

I got some humor out of one FA who had to answer it for the guy as he didn't know.

FA's response: "Fire, smoke, or Dick Cheney are all good reasons..."

Someone an aisle back didn't take to that comment very well and yelled out, "Or Obama". It was an awkward silence on the plane for about 5 seconds.

Anyways, I find the quizzing to be annoying now as the FAs are all trying to add too much humor and game to it. Is this going to stay around?