Just to clarify, rows 16, 26, and 27 on a A321neo are classed as an emergency exit rows. Should you choose seats in any of those rows BA lists the following conditions you must accept:
Emergency exit seating requirements
You have selected a seat in an emergency exit row. In the unlikely event of an evacuation this passenger will be expected to assist in the opening of the emergency door.
Therefore, they must:
- be over the age of 12 years
- be able bodied and fit enough to open and operate an emergency exit door
- be able to understand instructions given in English
- not be substantially deaf or blind
- not be pregnant
The CAA guidance can be found here
https://www.caa.co.uk/Passengers/On-...ng-allocation/
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, for example assistance dogs.