Originally Posted by
Carl Johnson
I think you're sort of missing the point. First, the OP wasn't making any sort of complaint about any slight to him personally. Second, the purpose of the instructions and request for assent isn't to benefit the exit row passenger in any way; it's to try to establish that the exit row passengers understand and accept the JOB of being an exit row passenger. The person that the rules are intended to benefit is the passenger way in the back, who needs everything done right, without delay. Inviting the OP to sue the airline for an injury he did not experience, and did not perceive himself to have experienced, is just silly.
Well, that may or may not be true. But can we get back to talking about how serious this mistake was? The lives of all passengers onboard that aircraft and any other aircraft within approx. 500 miles of the aircraft were in serious danger.
Imagine this: you're about to crash into a mountain side. You don't have time to read the "PULL HERE" sign on the emergency exit handle. Nobody sat down and explained to you the meaning of that "PULL HERE" sign.
As you crash into the mountain at 550 MPH, you are doomed - but - you could've been saved, had you just had the chance to turn your head 15 degrees to the left (or right, were you seated on the starboard side of the aircraft) and read that "PULL HERE" sign. It's not your responsibility as a passenger to know where you are or what you're doing. And complaining about it on FT isn't enough.
I think the OP should totally sue.