Originally Posted by drewguy

Agree that there is a pretty narrow gap (perhaps that should be zero) between what's required of an exit row passenger in terms of physical capacity and a "need" to board early because of disabilities.

But I suppose enforcement of this - as you suggest, if you self-identify as needing to board early you should be bounced from your exit row seat - is too much to ask, much like the person of size rules that should require purchase of an extra seat.

Originally Posted by LarryJ

Unlike the regulation which requires airlines to allow preboarding of passengers who self-identify that they qualify, the regulation for the exit row puts the onus on the airline (certificate holder) to make the determination. "...if the certificate holder determines... "

Originally Posted by colinAMS

I was boarding ORD-LAX on a 757 last week and the ancient Chinese lady in front of me had an exit row. The gate agent tried a few times to say "you know you are in an exit row?" and eventually gave up. I had to lift her bag into the locker for her, the FA couldn't have cared less and when I said "if we have to depend on that lady to get out, we're all dead" which didn't even elicit an answer. I think there has to be some enforcement of this because that old lady was really totally incapable and I'm not trying to be rude about her either.