Originally Posted by RobOnLI
And, as a NW plat, the exit rows are NOT available for selection on the web when purchasing a ticket. The 12 exit row seats are always blocked. However, if you get to the airport early enough, they are happy to give you one. I highly doubt there are 12 people leaving the exit rows in place of "better" seats like row 28 :-D
That's true, if you try to assign the exit row to yourself at the same time as you're purchasing the ticket on nwa.com. It shows all E seats blocked.
But try this instead: Buy the ticket online. Then, right afterwards, go to the screen that allows you to view the tickets you've purchased. You'll find you can re-assign yourself to an exit row with no trouble if you're an Elite.
I'm currently holding exit row seats for several upcoming NW flights this way, and, of course, for more than a half-dozen AS flights.