My opinion is that seatbelt extenders should [I]never[I] be alowed in exit rows; prohibiting them provides objective criteria for who is permitted to sit in an exit row. Allowing an extender forces gate agents and flight crews to decide who is 'too large' to sit in exit rows on a subjective basis.
Originally Posted by
Laylla
I would think that if you require an extender on ANY airplane, there is perhaps an issue with your size. They are typically looking for agile, fit people for the exit rows. Even if you work out and are in good shape, they have to make a rule about it because most people that require an extender are over 300 lbs and are definitely not fit and agile. Obesity limits mobility and flexibility and causes all kinds of knee and back problems. Granted it sounds like you know what you are doing and could open the door in an emergency, but they aren't going to make special allowance for "extra aircraft knowledge" in obese passengers.
One one flight recently (on a small UA commuter, I think it was Mesa), a woman (not obese, just normal size) boarded with her foot in a boot of some type, the kind you get if you hurt your ankle. She was using one crutch, and the flight attendent helped her with her backpack and helped her to her seat - which was in an exit row. I couldn't believe the FA was OK with leaving her in that row!!!
Incorrect. As stated above, there is not even any consistency in length on the same AC type on the same airline. For example, I am on AA MD8x's alot. In some seats, I have to tighten the belt. In others, I have to have an extender - even down to the same row/seat on different birds.
I am slightly larger (not 500lbs) than most - and I agree with the poster above. I'm the guy you want in the exit row because I'm not going to have a hard time with stuck hatch or anything like that.
Fat people are not the enemy...