Originally Posted by CAA

Seats by emergency exits



Some passengers may not be permitted to sit in a seat row next to an emergency exit. This is because if the emergency exit is needed, it is important the exit can be opened and the aircraft evacuated as quickly as possible.

The following passengers are among those who should not be allocated, or directed to, seats by emergency exits:
•Passengers with physical or mental impairment or disability to the extent that they would have difficulty in moving quickly if asked to do so.
•Passengers who have significant sight or hearing impairment to the extent that it might be difficult for them to respond to instructions quickly.
•Passengers who, because of age or sickness, have difficulty in moving quickly.
•Passengers who, because of physical size, have difficulty in moving quickly.
•Children (whether accompanied or not) and infants.
•Passengers travelling with animals