Originally Posted by Eujeanie

This is very interesting. We have always chosen the exit row when we had status, then when we lost AS status we were delighted to learn that based on my husband's Lifetime Gold Status with AA, as long as his AA number was on the res we could still enjoy this perk.

But I have to tell you, 9 times out of 10 we have had the 3rd person in our row who was "upgraded" for no apparent ability or status. They told us this. "Wow, look how much room is here...what do I have to do?" as they peered at the safety card for the very first time.

So I have no problem with AS monetizing this, as long as they DO NOT take away our Partner Elite privileges.

If anyone remembers my recent post about Disneyland, I had a woman next to me, in the exit row, who was claustrophic and FREAKING OUT (her words) to be on a plane at all...I know every time we book an exit row, we have to check, that Yes, we understand all the responsibilities and are willing and able to assist in case of emergency. And we are, and we will. It would be unethical to do/say otherwise.

What safeguards will AS employ, other than that these people have an extra $26 (or, it seems, no dollars at all), that they will be suitable candidates?