Originally Posted by
notquiteaff
Does the computer actually auto-assign anyone to the exit row, given that you have to confirm that you are willing and able to “staff” that row when you manually select it on the web/in the app?
In my experience yes (people are auto-assigned to row 16 all the time if they don't have a seat assignment). Alaska policy is to ask twice more if you are willing and able: once when the gate agent scans your boarding pass, and again by the FA on the plane. If you say no to either time, you'll be re-assigned before the cabin door can close.