Originally Posted by
relangford
Or, "how handicapped is handicapped"? I use a cane for balance since I have metal inplants in my leg, coupled with chronic pain in my ankle. I was removed from an exit row seat on a recent flight when the FA said "You are handicapped, and must move". I am perfectly able to assist in an emergency, but, yes, I do use a cane. I tried to find the FAA regulations on sitting at an exit row, and it seems I can meet all the listed requirements (over 18, able to hear and speak in English, open or lift the door, not travelling with a child, understand crew instructions, etc.). My favorite seats on most aircraft are at the exit rows. It now seems I can't get into them again. BTW, I did hide my collapsable cane and got the seat I wanted on a couple of flights; still, I would like to use the cane and get my seat. So, how handicapped does one have to be? Is this up to the FA?
Your post reminded me of the passenger who always requested the exit row seat due to his bad back.