Got an upcoming trip in WT+ on the 777-300, and today was the first time that the Emergency Exit rows opened up for me to choose. To be allowed to sit there, I must agree on the following:
You have chosen a seat close to an emergency exit door.
In the unlikely event of an evacuation you will be expected to assist in the opening of the emergency door.
In accordance with CAA requirements, the following categories of passengers cannot be allocated an emergency exit seat:
Children under 12 and infants.
Passengers who are unable to reach, open, lift and throw out the exit door in an emergency.
Passengers who because of physical stature, age or sickness have difficulty in moving quickly.
Passengers who are unable to understand and carry out instructions given in English.
Passengers who are travelling with anyone who would require their assistance in the event of an emergency.
Passengers who are either substantially blind or substantially deaf, to the extent that they might not easily understand printed or verbal instructions given.
If you do not meet the criteria you will be moved to alternative seat.
I declare that I am an able-bodied person (12 years and over) in full fitness, do not fall into any of the categories outlined above and accept the responsibility attached to sitting in an exit row seat.
In short: In case we crash, you have some extra responsibility to help save a couple of hundreds peoples lives.
If I choose to accept this responsibility, BA decides to charge me 449 NOK (£50) for helping them out in an emergency.
I don't mind that BA has a paid seating policy (although i probably would if I was Blue
), but struggle to see why I should pay extra to accept this responsibility.
Ok, Rant over
Now, back to checking those "WET" fare buckets in Expertflyer and hope they sell out..