Originally Posted by
bigsilverjet
If the plane goes down...we all have bigger issues. Only way we really survive 99% of true crashes is 99% luck anyways. It isn't about that person being in your way. It is about you being strong enough to pull yourself through the cabin with broken limbs and get yourself out. Instead of worrying about "what if" this old lady can't move the door...go to a gym and get strong. That is what matters in accidents. Fighting instincts and strong able bodies.
Seems like I've read articles (probably here somewhere) that state pretty much the opposite. Something like 95% of pax involved in airline accidents do survive, in many cases by following the emergency procedures and exiting the plane using the slides and overwing exits. This includes at least a few incidents where all or most people got out and then (shortly thereafter) the plane was destroyed by fire. One at Pearson a few years ago comes to mind...
So yes, I'd prefer the people in the exit rows to be capable of opening the exit...even a widebody when there might be 3 or 4 people doing it together.